Cathodic Deposition of ZnSe on Copper Substrates

Abstract

In this work, ZnSe thin films were cathodically electrodeposited on copper (Cu) substrates from aqueous solutions of ZnSO 4 and SeO 2 using a three electrode configuration. Cyclic voltampèrometry has been applied to determine the deposition potential range. The deposited films were composed of polycrystalline cubic ZnSe (111) and elemental selenium. The highest zinc content was observed on films deposited at E=−0.6 V vs SCE. The Zn:Se atomic percentage obtained by EDAX approached 1:1 after annealing at 250 o C for 30 min. The films were found to have 44 nm lowest surface roughness and 15% highest reflectance. The results of this study suggest that the electrodeposited ZnSe films are suitable for applications in photovoltaic technology.