Chemically deposited PbS thin films by reaction media with glycine for use in photovoltaics

PbS thin films were chemically deposited on glass substrates using alkaline aqueous solutions containing glycine-Pb complexes. Highly compact and adherent films, formed by pyramid-like particles, crystallized in the cubic structure of galena-type PbS. The specular nature and compactness of the films was enhanced with the increase of the bath pH, as confirmed through the analysis of optical and electrical properties. The optical band gap energy and conductivity of the photosensitive PbS films were found in the range of 1.39-1.53 eV and 44.7 to 153.9 mS/cm, respectively. The photovoltaic characteristics of CdS/PbS heterojunction devices were investigated. The photovoltaic device with structure SnO2:F/CdS (-120 nm)/PbS(-180 nm)/C had an open circuit voltage of 120 mV and a short circuit current density of 0.85 mA/cm(2), under illumination intensity of 100 mW/cm(2).

Automated summary

PbS thin films were chemically deposited on glass substrates using alkaline aqueous solutions containing glycine-Pb complexes, forming highly compact and adherent films with pyramid-like particles. The specular nature and compactness of the films were enhanced with the increase of the bath pH, confirmed through the analysis of optical and electrical properties. The optical band gap energy and conductivity of the photosensitive PbS films were found in a specific range, leading to investigation of photovoltaic characteristics in CdS/PbS heterojunction devices.