Physical properties of Sb2S3–Cu nanocomposite thin films synthesized by chemical bath deposition and laser ablation of solids in liquids

Cu nanoparticles obtained by laser ablation of solids in liquids have been incorporated into chemical bath solutions to synthesize Sb2S3–Cu nanocomposite thin films. Aqueous colloidal Cu suspensions were added in different volumes to chemical precursor solutions containing Sb and S ions to synthesize Sb2S3 matrices with Cu nanoparticles embedded within them. The obtained films were annealed at 280 °C in Argon. Structural properties of the films were analyzed by means of X-Ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, optical properties were determined by UV–Vis spectroscopy and surface morphology was observed by SEM and AFM. Presence of Cu nanoparticles into Sb2S3 was corroborated by TEM measurements. Electrical resistance of the films was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Results are discussed as a function of annealing and nominal Cu suspension content in the precursor solutions.