Electrochemical Deposition of Bi2S3 Thin Films Using Dimethylsulfoxide as a Solvent

Bi 2 S 3 thin films with different morphology and crystallite size were electrodeposited on conducting glass substrates from a dimethylsulfoxide solution of bismuth chloride and elemental sulfur at various temperatures. Porous Bi 2 S 3 films, constituted of open-packed nanoparticles ( 500 nm) that constitute a microstructured film. The stoichiometry of the Bi 2 S 3 films was confirmed by chemical analysis. However, X-ray diffraction indicated distortions in Bi 2 S 3 lattice. Deposition temperature was found to influence the distortion, with the smallest distortion observed for the highest temperature (150°C). Optical gaps in the 1.31-1.45 eV range were estimated for the obtained Bi 2 S 3 films. The influence of the morphology and structural defects on the optical properties of Bi 2 S 3 films was also discussed.