One‐step electrochemical deposition of CuInSe2 absorber layers

Abstract

AbstractA new modified approach for the thermodynamics and kinetics constituents of the electrodeposition mechanism of CuInSe2 is presented. It is shown that the mechanism of CuInSe2 phase formation includes a number of consecutive reactions. Under the conditions of the one‐step electrochemical deposition process, the formation of Cu+Se phases are controlled by the diffusion of selenium and copper species, the insertion of indium into the film depends on the applied potential. The paper describes developed associated model used to determine the fluxes of copper, indium and selenium species to the cathode and relative concentrations of deposited solid phases. The distribution diagram of the final products in depending on applied potential and composition ratio of Se(IV)/Cu(II) in solution is build by the results of computations. The morphology of electrodeposited films is determined by the potential of deposition and the rate of mass transport in solution. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)