Surface degradation of As₂S₃ thin films

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In this Subject: <a title="Inorganic Chemistry" href="/content/subcat?j_subject=167&j_availability=">Inorganic Chemistry
By this author: Allen, P.J. ;&nbsp; Johnson, B.R. ;&nbsp; Baran, R.T. ;&nbsp; Anheier, N.C. ;&nbsp; Sundaram, S.K. ;&nbsp; Engelhard, M.H. ;&nbsp; Broocks, B.T.

Authors: Allen, P.J.; Johnson, B.R.; Baran, R.T.; Anheier, N.C.; Sundaram, S.K.; Engelhard, M.H.; Broocks, B.T.

Source: Physics and Chemistry of Glasses - European Journal of Glass Science and Technology Part B, Volume 47, Number 6, December 2006 , pp. 681-687(7)

Publisher: Society of Glass Technology

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Abstract:

Thin films of as-deposited, thermally evaporated, As₂S₃ glass degrade (a visible white haze that develops on the surface of the film) on exposure to ambient conditions. The effects of visible light, oxygen, humidity, and temperature on the films were studied. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to characterise the chemical species (and bonding environment), the crystal structure, and the morphology of the degradation layer. It is shown that exposing As₂S₃ films simultaneously to light and humidity results in the formation of arsenolite (As₂O₃) crystals on the surface of the film. A reaction mechanism is proposed to explain this process based on the known photoinduced breakage of As-As bonds in the As₄S₄ moieties in the film and their reaction with water and oxygen in the environment.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2006-12-01