Elemental sulfur-based electrodeposition of indium sulfide films

Uniformity and adherence were only moderate, with irregular coverage and cracking-and-flaking sometimes evident. The best baths were ethylene glycol or 1, 2-propanediol-based, with golden-yellow films, nominally In2S3-xOx, depositing typically heavier around the substrate edges. With low temperatures and/or large currents, brown films more rich in indium sometimes formed.

Cyclic voltammetry elucidated onset potentials, secondary reactions, and photoactivity, with the greatest anodic photocurrents arising from In2S3's n-type conductivity occurring with mixed ethylene glycol/propionic acid/water baths. Scanning electron microscope photographs indicated a compact small grain microstructure for yellow films. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis and photoelectron spectroscopy data indicate up to 15% oxygen content.