Local Electrical Response in Alkaline-Doped Electrodeposited CuInSe2/Cu Films

• Main Authors: Javier A. Barón-Miranda, Octavio Calzadilla, Liliana E. Arvizu-Rodríguez, Jose L. Fernández-Muñoz, Cesia Guarneros-Aguilar, Fabio Chale-Lara, Ulises Páramo-García, Felipe Caballero-Briones
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2016-12-01
• Series: Coatings
• Subjects: CuInSe2 electrodeposition; alkaline doping; current sensing atomic force microscopy
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2079-6412/6/4/71

The local electrical response in alkaline-doped CuInSe2 films prepared by single-step electrodeposition onto Cu substrates was studied by current-sensing atomic force microscopy. The CuInSe2 (CIS) films were prepared from single baths containing the dopant ions (Li, Na, K or Cs) and were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and photocurrent response. Increased crystallinity and surface texturing as the ion size increased were observed, as well as an enhanced photocurrent response in Cs-doped CIS. Li- and Na-doped films had larger conductivity than the undoped film while the K- and Cs-doped samples displayed shorter currents and the current images indicated strong charge accumulation in the K- and Cs-doped films, forming surface capacitors. Corrected current-sensing AFM IV curves were adjusted with the Shockley equation.