Thermal Annealing of Magnesium Sulphide (MgS) Thin Films: Surface-Interface Studies for Energy Applications

Narendra Kumar Agrawal; Dhwani Gangal; Ravi Agarwal; Narendra Jhakar; H S Palsania

Abstract

Surface morphology of materials can be changed/modulated by the application of temperature. Sulphides of various alkaline earth metals like Beryllium, Calcium, Magnesium, Strontium and Barium are receiving interest because of the various advanced energy, sensors and photo-chemical applications. Magnesium and Nano Magnesium are also receiving great interest in the last few years due to their Hydrogen storage capacity. Thermal annealing is a very important technique for modification of surface properties. This can also change the modulate nano interface of the materials. Hence it is important to determine the effect of temperature on sulfides of various alkaline earth metals like Beryllium, Calcium, Magnesium, Calcium, Strontium and Barium. Study of thermal response to MgS thin films is complex and important to fully understand, as a highly challenging task to use in energy applications and water purification. Recently, authors have invested the effect of annealing/hardening on Magnesium Sulphide (MgS) films. Thin films of MgS (Magnesium Sulphide) were prepared/ synthesized using spin coating system techniques. Then the films were annealed at various temperature and time. The characterization of the films was done by SEM and AFM. The results indicate change in the surface morphology of the films. Order of the change in surface parameters also depends on temperature, duration of temperature exposure, critical environment, presence of various impurities, thickness of thin-films, solution concentrations etc. Various sizes of Nano-particles is also significantly affect the UV-Vis and optical response of nanomaterial and are markedly different from materials.

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