Preparation of CdTe coatings using the chemical deposition method

CdTe coatings have been prepared by the reaction between films of cadmium h ydroxide deposited on glass and a solution prepared by the dissolution of t ellurium in hydroxymethane sulfinic acid. The films of CdTe having thicknes ses in the range of 1 mum have been deposited by immersing the cadmium hydr oxide coatings in an alkaline solution containing a tellurium compound at 5 degreesC, which is warmed to 70 degreesC. Annealing at ca. 150 degreesC fo r 24 h gives highly crystalline, cubic CdTe. The preparation of an aqueous solution containing tellurium, which remains stable, is essential for the s uccess of the process. Conditions for the preparation of such a solution ar e described. Details for the preparation of thin films of Cd(OH)(2) on glas s, essential for the success of the process, are also described. The CdTe o btained was cubic, has a band gap energy of 1.51 eV, but does not display h igh photosensitivity. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.