ELECTRODEPOSITED CADMIUM SELENIDE FILMS FOR SOLAR-CELLS

We have conceived this paper according to our background and interest in the preparation and photoelectrochemistry of II-VI semiconductor th in films. The synthesis of polycrystalline CdSe thin films by cathodic electrodeposition on conducting substrates is described. Electrodepos ition involves potentiostatic reduction from an acid aqueous bath. The influence of bath temperature and deposition potential on the crystal linity is discussed. For optimized deposition parameters, the XRD patt erns reveal cubic and hexagonal CdSe. Electron probe microanalysis sho ws an excess of Se in the samples. Photoelectrochemical studies of the films in aqueous polysulfide allowed us to determine the photovoltaic properties e.g. semiconducting type, short-circuit current, open circ uit voltage and fill factor.