One-pot green synthesis of copper sulfide (I) thin films with p-type conductivity

In this work we describe a novel and eco-friendly, low temperature synthesis of copper sulfide (I) Cu2S thin films. Chemical bath deposition was successfully applied for the Cu2S films deposition from acidic aqueous solutions of sodium thiosulfate Na2S2O3. The characterization of the prepared films was accomplished through elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman and transmittance spectroscopy, and hot point probe method. The potential application in solar cells and photocatalysis was demonstrated by the measuring the optical properties and conductivity type of the Cu2S thin films.