Formation of CuInSe2 absorber layers formed using co-electrodeposition combined with selenization

Stoichiometric CuInSe2 absorber layers were formed using co-electrodeposition coupled with selenization. We investigated the influence of the metal ion ratio, supporting electrolyte, and deposition voltages on the structural and chemical properties of Cu-In alloys. The increases in deposition voltage and metal ion concentration helped to form In-rich Cu-In alloy with dendrite structure composed of a long central trunk with secondary branches. In addition, on increasing the concentration of the supporting electrolyte, the ratio of In to Cu in the Cu-In alloy increased, and surface morphology improved. Finally, based on an optimized co-electrodeposition process, the selenization of Cu-In alloys using the evaporation of the Se element was employed to form high quality CuInSe2 absorber layers.