The properties of ZnS thin films prepared by rf-magnetron sputtering from nanoparticles synthesized by solvothermal/hydrothermal route

Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) has been proposed as a novel buffer layer, alternative to CdS for solar cell applications. ZnS thin films were deposited by rf-magnetron sputtering using, nanocrystalline powder synthesized by solvothermal/hydrothermal route. ZnS nanoparticles with a grain size between 10 and 20 nm were obtained by simple solvothermal/hydrothermal technique. The powders as synthesized were used to develop the buffer layers of nanostructured ZnS by rf-magnetron sputtering. The structural, surface morphology and optical properties of the films were studied. The as-deposited ZnS films were polycrystalline textured and a very smooth surface was obtained. The films are highly transparent in the visible wavelength region with a transmittance higher than 85 %.