Ionic Electrodeposition Simulation of CdTe Thin Films

Abstract

A modified EngelkenÕs kinetic model, which is based on the Butler-Volmer equation, was developed and simulated to predict the potential at which perfect stoichiometry is achieved in linear-sweep voltammetry. The simulation results were verified experimentally using electrodeposition and the following were determined: the exact potential at which intrinsic CdTe with perfect stoichiometry can be electrodeposited and the deviation from stoichiometry, which can be controlled accurately by adjustment of the electrodeposition potential. Moreover, we found that native nondegenerate p-CdTe and n-CdTe could also be deposited. In this research, the simulation parameters for EngelkenÕs model were established and corrected. Good agreement was found between the theoretical and experimental results, and accurate compound compositions were predicted.