Photovoltaic Properties and Surface Analysis of Mixed (SnS2)x (CdS)1-x Thin Films by X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)

Mixed thin films (SnS₂)_x(CdS)_1-x with various x compositions (x=1, 0.8, 0.2, 0) have been synthesized by spray pyrolysis technique at a substrate temperature of 350°C. Cadmium chloride (CdCl₂), Tin chloride (SnCl₂), and thiourea (SC(NH₂)₂) were used as starting chemicals at different compositions. The chemical binding state of the deposited thin films was studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XPS studies indicate the formation of the single phase of CdS and SnS2 thin films and mixed-phase (SnS₂)_x (CdS)_1-x for x=0.8 and x=0.2. Four components of oxygen change in chemical states which are different in BE have been distinguished and studied in the O 1s spectrum. The optical expected absorption capacity and photocurrent (jph) depend on x concentration.