Hexagonal electrodeposited CdSe in new multi-layer hybrid organic–inorganic semiconductive systems with remarkable high photoconductivity

• Hexagonal CdSe thin film in hybrid semiconductors taken by electrodeposition.
• Development of multi-layer hybrid semiconductors of high photoresponse.
• Preparation of CdSe/ferrocene based hybrid multi-layer semiconductors.

Thin films of new hybrid organic–inorganic semiconductors have been developed, presenting noticeable photoconductive properties. They result by the combination of a CdSe semiconductor with an appropriate organic compound, commercially available, such as ferrocene or ferrocene aldehyde. The organic layer of the hybrid system is either deposited over the inorganic one or enveloped between two inorganic layers in a sandwich-like structure. The inorganic layers were produced using a cathodic electro deposition technique. The full characterization of the final products confirmed the development of the hybrid semiconductive system. The external electrodeposited CdSe layer of the sandwich-like materials exhibits a definite hexagonal structure. A clear amelioration of the photoresponding behavior of the three-layered products comparing to that of the two-layered ones as well as the pure electrodeposited cubic CdSe is observed. Finally, as derived from the XRD data of the materials prepared, the development of chemical bonds between the inorganic and the organic parts seems to be confirmed.