Electrochemical Deposition of Lead Sulphide (PbS) Thin Films Deposited on Zinc Plate Substrate

Abstract

Lead sulphide (PbS) thin films were deposited at different times on a zinc plate substrates using electrodeposition technique at room temperature. The results showed that PbS thin films resistivity has a direct proportionality with time. The optical properties of the thin film were measured using M501 UV-visible spectrophotometer in the wavelength range of 300 nm-1500 nm. The highest and lowest optical absorbance value of 0.253 and 0.219 at 5 mins and 1min respectively were recorded. The transmittance value of 0.582% and 0.966% at 3 mins were recorded in the infrared and ultraviolet regions respectively. The peak reflectance value was attained at 5 mins in both regions, while the minimum was obtained at 1min in the near infrared and visible regions. Refractive index, optical conductivity, extinction coefficient, real dielectric constant and imaginary dielectric constant were examined as a function of the photon energy. Further analysis revealed the band gap to be in the energy range of 1.9eV-2.6eV. These results show that lead sulphide can be used for mass production of solar cells and others photovoltaic devices.