LAUSR

Abstract Solution-based deposition techniques are emerging as an efficient route for low-cost photovoltaics (PV). We report deposition of tin sulphide (SnS) nanostructures (NS) from a simple, mechanochemically prepared precursor solution (PS) bath. Initially, to check the suitability of PS, SnS NS particles have been synthesized at low-temperature and deposition time in three atmospheres: air, vacuum, argon. In air atmosphere, spherical shaped particles of size ∼300 nm have been grown. In argon and vacuum atmospheres, the particles show layered growth with few agglomerated bunches. Shiny, adhesive films of NS SnS have been deposited at room temperature (R.T.), 40 °C and 50 °C. X-ray diffractogram shows the NS belong to orthorhombic SnS phase. Scanning electron microscopy reveals these nanostructures are nanoflakes (∼30 nm), nanostrands (∼20 to 50 nm) and nanopetals (∼100 nm) formed at different temperatures. The RMS roughness of films has been reported. The optical energy bandgap value derived for all the films is ∼1.4 eV.