Synthesis and characteristics of PbTe1−xSex thin films formed via electrodeposition

Abstract

PbTe1−xSex films were grown using electrodeposition and their microstructural and electrical properties were investigated. The Se content incorporated in the PbTe1−xSex films increased with the Se content in the electrolyte. X-ray diffraction peaks of the PbTe1−xSex films shifted to higher angles according to Vegard’s law. For the sample with a small Se content, the PbTe1−xSex films showed a characteristic feather-like dendrite, while PbTe1−xSex films with a higher Se content showed faceted particles. Transmission electron microscopy results showed that the feather-like dendritic PbTe1−xSex grew like a single crystal and a growing twinning was formed in some dendrites. With an increase in the Se content in the PbTe1−xSex thin films, the carrier concentrations increased but the mobility reduced. Electrical conductivity of the PbTe1−xSex thin films increased and then slightly decreased with increasing Se content.