Effects of post-deposition treatments on the photoactivity of CuInSe2 thinfilms deposited by the induced co-deposition mechanism

CuInSe2 thin films were electrodeposited potentiostatically from acidic aqu eous solutions containing CuCl, InCl3 and SeO2. SCN- ions were used as comp lexing agents for Cu+ ions in order to shift their reduction potentials in the negative direction. Different deposition solutions and post-deposition treatments were compared. The films were characterized by means of energy d ispersive X-ray spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffracti on, time-of-flight elastic recoil detection analysis, electrochemical quart z crystal microbalance, cyclic photovoltammetry and photoelectrochemical me asurements. The as-deposited films were found to be p-type. The photoactivi ty was lost after heat treatment, but etching in 0.5 M KCN regenerated it r apidly.