The effect of preparation method on the CdS:Ag thin film microstructure: comparison of four different chemical methods

CdS:Ag thin films were prepared by four chemical methods, as follows: 1) chemical bath deposition from two aqueous solutions, where the ions of the doping (Ag+ ) was introduced in the Cd+ solution, (CD); 2) spray pyrolysis from one solution (Cd+ ions and the Ag+ doping ions in the same solution), (SP); 3) chemical deposition of CdS thin films, in which the atoms of the doping (Ag) were introduced by an ion exchange processing in Ag+ solution (CD/IE), and 4) preparation of CdS thin films by spray pyrolysis, in which Ag doping was introduced by an ion exchange process (SP/IE). The films prepared by the four methods were annealed at an appropriate temperature for a certain time. Their morphology was studied by optical microscope. Their crystal microstructure was examined by x-ray diffraction. Results and descriptions of properties, regarding the application of the CdS:Ag thin films in the PV technology, are listed in a table. (Original)