Investigation of the electrochemical growth of a Cu-Zn-Sn film on a molybdenum substrate using a citrate solution

Tubshin Hreid; Anthony P. O'Mullane; Henry J. Spratt; Geoffrey Will; Hongxia Wang

doi:10.1007/s10800-016-0967-8

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Investigation of the electrochemical growth of a Cu-Zn-Sn film on a molybdenum substrate using a citrate solution

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Investigation of the electrochemical growth of a Cu-Zn-Sn film on a molybdenum substrate using a citrate solution

Tubshin Hreid, Anthony P. O'Mullane, Henry J. Spratt, Geoffrey Will and Hongxia Wang

Journal of Applied Electrochemistry, Vol.46, pp.769-778

2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10800-016-0967-8

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Abstract

Cu–Zn–Sn film

Electrochemical growth

Mo substrate

H2 evolution

Cu6Sn5 alloy phase

Cu5Zn8 alloy phase

Cu-Zn-Sn (CZT) metallic films were electrodeposited on molybdenum-coated soda lime glass (Mo/SLG) substrates at a constant potential using an aqueous electrolyte solution containing Cu (II), Zn (II), Sn (II) ions, and tri-sodium citrate. The electrochemical growth process of the CZT film has been elucidated by analysis of the film thickness, charge consumption, elemental and phase composition, and surface morphology. Interestingly, it was found that only copper and tin were deposited in the initial stage (30 s) of electrodeposition, and after this zinc began to be incorporated into the film. Further study revealed that H-2 evolution was responsible for the failed deposition of zinc on the Mo substrate. The grain size of the CZT film increased over the deposition time. It was also found that the film thickness (except for the first 1 min) increased linearly with the charge consumption, and the film grew at a constant rate. As a result, the composition of the CZT film remained constant throughout the deposition process and copper, tin, and zinc were distributed evenly in the film. Alloy phases of Cu6Sn5 and Cu5Zn8 were found in the CZT film and they were largely constant during the growth of the film. The new insight into the electrodeposition process of CZT films will be very useful for the production of high-quality solar active materials such as Cu2ZnSnS4 and Cu2ZnSnSe4.

Details

Title: Investigation of the electrochemical growth of a Cu-Zn-Sn film on a molybdenum substrate using a citrate solution
Authors: Tubshin Hreid (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Anthony P. O'Mullane (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Henry J. Spratt (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Geoffrey Will (Corresponding Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Hongxia Wang (Corresponding Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Publication details: Journal of Applied Electrochemistry, Vol.46, pp.769-778
Publisher: Springer Dordrecht
DOI: 10.1007/s10800-016-0967-8
ISSN: 1572-8838
Grant note: FT-120100674 Australian Research Council ARC Future Fellow Scheme
Organisation Unit: School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99737996802621
Output Type: Journal article

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