Rapid Preparation and Photoelectrochemical Screening of CuInSe₂ and CuInMSe₂ Arrays by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy

Abstract

CuInSe2 and CuInMSe2 (M = Ga, Zn, Cd) arrays were prepared from precursor aqueous:glycerol (3:1) solutions with a robotic piezoelectric dispenser on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conductive glass. Studies of the photoresponse of spots on the array by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) with an optical fiber tip showed that different annealing temperatures affected the position on the array of the optimal spot (the spot that showed the highest photocurrent). Depositing a thin layer of CdS on the CIS-250 array improved the photoactivity of the spots and also affected the optimal spot position. Adding 20−40% Ga into the CIS array increased the photocurrent, but addition of Zn or Cd did not.