Effect of temperature on selenization process of metallic Cu–In alloy precursors

Abstract In this study, CuInSe 2 films were prepared by selenization of metallic Cu–In alloy precursors, and the effect of temperature on selenization process was investigated. The Se incorporation during selenization process as a function of temperature and time was determined by X-ray fluorescence method, and the structural evolution of selenized films was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy methods. It was revealed that Se incorporation was accelerated by higher temperature, and different indium selenides were formed as temperature differs. Meanwhile, the structural evolution was clearly illustrated by the increase of film thickness during selenization process. All the selenized CuInSe 2 films showed chalcopyrite structure with preferred orientation along the (112) plane, which was enhanced by higher temperature. A growth model of CuInSe 2 films during selenization process was also proposed.