Synthesis and characteristics of PbTe1−xSex thin films formed via electrodeposition

PbTe 1−x Se x films were grown using electrodeposition and their microstructural and electrical properties were investigated. The Se content incorporated in the PbTe 1−x Se x films increased with the Se content in the electrolyte. X-ray diffraction peaks of the PbTe 1−x Se x films shifted to higher angles according to Vegard’s law. For the sample with a small Se content, the PbTe 1−x Se x films showed a characteristic feather-like dendrite, while PbTe 1−x Se x films with a higher Se content showed faceted particles. Transmission electron microscopy results showed that the feather-like dendritic PbTe 1−x Se 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−x Se x thin films, the carrier concentrations increased but the mobility reduced. Electrical conductivity of the PbTe 1−x Se x thin films increased and then slightly decreased with increasing Se content.