Microstructure of nanocrystalline CdS powders and thin films by Electrostatic Assisted Aerosol Jet Decomposition/Deposition method

Nanocrystalline CdS powders and thin films have been prepared by an Electrostatic Assisted Aerosol Jet Decomposition/Deposition (EAAJD) method from an aqueous solution of cadmium chloride and thiourea. The microstructure of the powders and films was characterised by a combination of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The results showed that nanocrystalline powders and films were produced with a crystallite size less than 35 nm. A predominant hexagonal structure with a strong preferred orientation was formed in the films.