Cathodic generation of CdSe(x)Te(1-X) at Te film electrodes.

CdSe(x)Te(1-x) films have been electrodeposited by the co-reduction of a tellurium substrate (to telluride) and soluble SeS0(3- 2) (to selenide) in the presence of cadium complexes. The tellurium film is itself initially electroplated in acidic media from tellurite. The necessary sequence of electrode reactions to achieve control of CdSe(x)Te(1-x) composition is regulated by the potentials maintained in the pH 9.6 ammonia buffer-ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid solution. Photoelectrochemical spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction of annealed films were used to characterize the products. In the absence of cadmium ion, the method allows generating known fluxes of telluride and selenide downstream of the generating electrode surface for other synthetic purposes.