An attempt to co-deposit photovoltaic quality CuInSe2 thin films: effect of surfactant and deposition potential

CuInSe2 (CISe) thin films were prepared by single step electrodeposition technique using citrate-SDS electrolyte. Preliminary studies revealed that the initial deposition conditions have significant influence over the composition, film quality and the addition of SDS in the citrate electrolyte enhances adhesion, smoothness and eliminates multinuclear growth. To explore the capability of the citrate-sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) electrolyte, the CISe thin films deposited at various potentials were annealed at 300 °C in nitrogen atmosphere. The structural, morphological and compositional properties of the annealed CISe thin films were compared. Finally, CISe thin film deposited at − 0.65 V/SCE exhibiting the p-type electrical conductivity was confirmed by Mott–Schottky (M–S) and photoelectrochemical (PEC) studies.