Electrodeposited and characterization of Cu–Cd–Se semiconductor thin films

Thin films of Cadmium Copper Selenides (Cd–Cu–Se) have been deposited on tin oxide coated conducting glass (SnO2) substrates using potentiostatic cathodic electrodeposition technique. Furthermore, a cyclic voltammetry study was performed in a unitary Cu, Cd, Se, binary Cu–Se, Cd–Se and ternary Cu–Cd–Se systems. A potassium chloride electrolyte containing selenium oxide (SeO2) and uncomplexed Cu2+ and Cd2+ ions is used in all the cases. The growth kinetics of the ternary system is monitored by cyclic voltammetric measurements. The composition and structure are analyzed by XRD. The X-ray diffraction shows that the natures of the film depend to the cathode potential applied. This result was confirmed by SEM and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) which demonstrated the complete change of morphology and composition with the deposition potential. The optical band gaps are evaluated from optical absorption measurements. The experimental observations are discussed in detail.

► Thin films of Cu–Cd–Se synthesized by electrochemical deposition.
► Cyclovoltammetry study of unary, binary and ternary systems.
► Study of optical properties of Cu–Cd–Se semiconductor.