CdTe thin films were obtained by cathodic electrodeposition from a solution of CdSO4, H2SO4, and Te. The films were deposited at room temperature onto glass substrates covered with SnO2 or In2O3:Sn. The dependence of the microstructural and optical properties of the films on deposition potential was investigated. The bandgap values ranged from 1.4 to 1.5 eV, as in bulk CdTe. An optimum value for the deposition potential wasdetermined for each substrate. Heating the electrolyte to 50ºC did not change the film crystallinity, although it decreased the defect concentration. This suggests that a post-deposition heat treatment may lead to a better performance of the films in photovoltaic devices.
Microstructure; CdTe thin film; electrodeposition
