Laser-chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) of elemental selenium onto the surface of several
metals (Ag, Cu, Cd, Zn, Mg, Sn) has been achieved using photolytic decomposition of diethyl
selenium, and the interaction between the deposited selenium coatings and the metal surface
has been examined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray
diffraction, and electron microscopy. It is revealed that thin coatings of Se take part in a
solid-state chemical reaction with Ag, Cd, Cu, Mg, and Zn substrates and demonstrated for
the first time that the reaction between amorphous selenium and these metals (and not
only Cu) does not require high temperatures but takes place at room temperature. The results
reveal the feasibility of room-temperature selenization of metals.