Nucleation and growth study of SnS nanostructures prepared by electrodeposition method

Abstract

SnS nanostructures were prepared using the electrodeposition technique in aqueous solutions containing 0.1M of SnSO4 and Na2SO4. Three concentrations (0.05M, 0.10M, and 0.15M) of Na2SO4 were tested. The electrodeposition of SnS nanostructures on ITO substrates was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, SEM microscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques. The concentration-dependent nucleation and growth mechanisms of electrodeposited SnS were analyzed using current transients. For the concentrations (0.05M and 0.10 M), the SnS films follow 3D growth in instantaneous nucleation mode. For a concentration of 0.15M, the SnS films start with progressive nucleation before switching to the instantaneous nucleation mode. The SnS nanostructures produced were found to be polycrystalline with an orthorhombic structure. XRD measurement shows that the preferred orientation of SnS nanostructures is in the (111) and (101) directions for the lower concentrations. SEM images reveal the 3D growth model of the samples, which is consistent with the electrochemical analysis.