Simple chemical method for nanoporous network of In2S3 platelets for buffer layer in CIS solar cells

Indium sulfide thin films consisting of porous network of nanoplatelets, have been deposited using chemical bath deposition (CBD) method onto the tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) coated glass substrate. Aqueous solutions of indium sulfate and thioacetamide have been used as indium and sulfur precursors. As a complexing agent, acetic acid was used. The chemically deposited indium sulfide thin films were examined for their structural, surface morphological and optical characterizations. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of the cubic beta-In2S3 onto the substrate. From scanning electron micrograph, it is observed that the surface of substrate is covered by nanoporous platelets type morphology. The optical studies showed a direct band gap of 2.84 eV for indium sulfide platelets. Photoelectrochemical characterization shows that indium sulfide thin film is an n-type semiconductor material. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V.