Synthesis and characteristics of PbTe_1−xSe_x thin films formed via electrodeposition

PbTe_1−xSe_x films were grown using electrodeposition and their microstructural and electrical properties were investigated. The Se content incorporated in the PbTe_1−xSe_x films increased with the Se content in the electrolyte. X-ray diffraction peaks of the PbTe_1−xSe_x films shifted to higher angles according to Vegard’s law. For the sample with a small Se content, the PbTe_1−xSe_x films showed a characteristic feather-like dendrite, while PbTe_1−xSe_x films with a higher Se content showed faceted particles. Transmission electron microscopy results showed that the feather-like dendritic PbTe_1−xSe_x grew like a single crystal and a growing twinning was formed in some dendrites. With an increase in the Se content in the PbTe_1−xSe_x thin films, the carrier concentrations increased but the mobility reduced. Electrical conductivity of the PbTe_1−xSe_x thin films increased and then slightly decreased with increasing Se content.