A simple two-step method for preparation of cadmium selenide film on nickel substrate

A simple two-step method for the preparation of cadmium selenide film on nickel substrate has been developed which consists of electrodeposition of cadmium film on nickel substrate and the subsequent dipping of the film in an acidic selenium containing solution. The films up to 3 μm thick were prepared after optimization of different parameters such as concentration and pH of selenium containing solution, dipping time, temperature etc during electrodeposition of cadmium. These films were annealed in air at 773 K and characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and optical absorption techniques. Further, the potential of applications of these films in solar energy conversion has been studied by forming the photoelectrochemical cells.