Preparation and Characterization of Cu-Ga-Se Thin Films Synthesized by Electrodeposition: Effect of Complexing Agent and Supporting Electrolyte

John Turner, Todd Deutsch, A. Fernandez, B. Lara-Lara

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus Citations

Abstract

CuGaSe2 (CGS) is a semiconductor that has potential use as a photo electrode for solar water splitting. Its wide band gap and high absorption coefficient make it an ideal candidate for the top absorber in tandem structures. CGS can be synthesized by several techniques, being electrodeposition the most advantageous from a technical standpoint. Many reports show that electrodeposition of these films for producing the desired precursor atomic composition can be aided by using a complexing agent. However, the use of supporting electrolyte and the type of the electrolyte to improve the atomic composition in the films has never been reported. Using cyclic voltammetry, with complexing agents and deposition potentials between −0.5 and −0.9 V vs. Ag/AgCl reference electrode atomic ratios close to the ideal values ([Cu]/[Ga] = 1 and [Se]/[Cu + Ga] = 1), based on atomic composition and morphology analysis are reported in this work. From the X-ray diffraction (XRD), the as-deposited films exhibit poor crystallinity; however, the XRD patterns evidence the formation CuGaSe2 after annealing of the samples.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)324-334
Number of pages11
JournalMaterials Chemistry and Physics
Volume213
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 Elsevier B.V.

NREL Publication Number

  • NREL/JA-5900-71751

Keywords

  • Chalcogenides
  • Copper-galium-selenide
  • Electrodeposition
  • Thin films

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