An investigation on CdSeTe/CdTe stacks deposited by evaporation. Impact of halide treatment depending on the applied surface

Among the methods applied to modify the characteristics of CdSeTe/CdTe stacks, one of the most well-known and widely used procedures is the CdCl${}_2$ halide treatment. In this connection, the influence of CdCl${}_2$ on microstructural properties, phase distribution, and optical properties of CdSeTe/CdTe stack depending on location of the employed surface is investigated. In CdSeTe/CdTe stacks deposited by evaporation in vacuum, CdCl${}_2$ halide treatment is applied to the interface of CdSeTe and CdTe, the upper surface of CdTe, and both surface regions of the stack. CdCl${}_2$ treatment applied depending on the region has a definite effect on the phase structure, interlayer CdSe${}_x$Te${}_{1-x}$ alloying rate, and crystallization quality of the stack structure. Regardless of the applied region, all CdCl${}_2$-treated stacks exhibit a granular and compact surface morphology. On the other hand, CdCl${}_2$ treated only on single surface results in a shift of the absorption edge to the shorter wavelength, but rather to the long spectral region for both surfaces. The photoluminescence spectra reveal the presence of band emissions of the CdTe layer and CdSeTe alloys. Overall, the findings of the study indicate that only the upper-surface application of CdCl${}_2$ has more promising features for potential solar cell applications. (© 2023 Wiley‐VCH GmbH)