Influence of support electrolytic in the electrodeposition of CuGaSe thin films

Journal Article · Wed Nov 02 00:00:00 EDT 2016 · Superlattices and Microstructures

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spmi.2016.10.082· OSTI ID:1343073

Fernandez, A. M. ^[1]; Turner, J. A. ^[2]; Lara-Lara, B. ^[1]; Deutsch, T. G. ^[2]

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1. National Autonomous Univ. of Mexico, Temixco (Mexico)
2. National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

CuGaSe₂ is an important thin film electronic material that possesses several attributes that make it appealing for solar energy conversion. Because of its properties it can be incorporated in to various devices, among the greatest highlights are photovoltaic cells, as well as its potential use as photocathodes for hydrogen production, via the photoelectrolysis. There are several methods of its preparation, most notably electrodeposition that has the potential for large areas and high volumes. Electrodeposition of ternary and/or quaternary semiconductors generally proceeds via the formation of a binary, which is subsequently reacted to form the ternary compound. Several conditions must be controlled to form binary compounds that include the use of complexing agents, buffers, temperature, etc. Here, we discuss the effect of anion composition in the electrolytic bath and the type of lithium salts, in order to manipulate the atomic concentration of CuGaSe₂ during the electrodeposition of thin films, yielding copper-rich, gallium-rich or stoichiometric thin films. Finally, we present the results of a study on the morphology and structure obtained using two types of substrates both before and after performing a heat treatment.

• Research Organization: National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Sustainable Transportation Office. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technologies Office
• Grant/Contract Number: AC36-08GO28308; DEAC36-08-GO28308
• OSTI ID: 1343073
• Alternate ID(s): OSTI ID: 1396617
• Report Number(s): NREL/JA-5900-67685
• Journal Information: Superlattices and Microstructures, Vol. 101; ISSN 0749-6036
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
thin films
electrodeposition
anion composition
electrolyric bath