PbSe thin films have been electrodeposited potentiostatically from aqu
eous solutions containing lead complexed with EDTA (ethylenediaminetet
raacetic acid) and SeO2. The effects of deposition parameters such as
deposition potential, concentrations of source materials and current d
ensity were studied. Cyclic voltammetry was used for studying the film
deposition reactions and for finding the appropriate deposition poten
tial range. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), e
nergy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscop
y (SEM), Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RES), elastic recoil
detection analysis (ERDA), deuteron induced reactions and profilometry
. Nearly stoichiometric, smooth, mirror-like PbSe films were obtained
at deposition potentials between -0.6 and -0.8 V vs. saturated calomel
electrode (SCE) when the concentration of lead was ten times higher t
han the concentration of selenium, and between -0.4 and -0.75 V vs. SC
E when the lead excess was a hundred-fold.