ZnS does nearly not absorb sun light, it is the most suitable buffer layer material in solar cell. For preparing ZnS film with low cost, the bath electrochemical performance and the effect of deposition potential on the phase of ZnS films prepared by electrodeposition were studied under different electrodeposition conditions. The phases and morphology of product films were investigated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope respectively. Experimental results show that, it was more conducive to achieve co-deposition using the constant potential method. Compared with thiourea, it is easier to achieve codeposition for ZnS. ZnS phase can be obtained under −1.0 ~ −1.6 V. When the deposition potential increased, the (100) crystal plane of the highest XRD peak of ZnS phase changed as (101) crystal plane. Well crystallized, dense and uniform ZnS film can be obtained under conditions of sodium citrate as complexing agent, sodium thiosulfate as sulfur source, ion ratio of Zinc and Sulfide 1 : 5 and −1.2 V.

Keywords: ZnS, Electrodeposition, Deposition potential, Phase, Morphology.