Effect of CuCl2treatment on RF magnetron-sputtered CdSe thin films for potential photovoltaic usage

CuCl2solutions of various molarities were used to treat CdSe thin films produced by RF magnetron sputtering. In-depth investigation on the impacts of this treatment on CdSe thin films were studied. The structural investigation revealed that all as-grown films exhibited the hexagonal phase peak at the (101) plane. The crystalline and grain sizes increased with CuCl2treatment, reaching 114 nm for 0.1 M CuCl2-treated CdSe thin film. A granule-like morphology was seen on the treated films. Opto-electric study revealed that CuCl2treatment improved CdSe film properties and tailored structural restrictions. The 0.30 M CuCl2treatment was shown to be an important process parameter for the CdSe thin films, indicating its potential as a photovoltaic material.