Electrodeposition and characterization of nano-crystalline antimony telluride thin films

► We investigate the growth, microstructure, and thermal conductivity of Sb2Te3 films. ► Pulsed electrodeposition is used to grow crystalline Sb2Te3 films. ► Film composition and microstructure depend on the growth conditions. ► Kinetics and thermodynamics are used to explain these observations. ► The low thermal conductivities observed are correlated to microstructure and texture.