Structural properties of 2(ZnSe)x(CuInSe2)1–x crystals and thin films in the two-phase region

This paper presents the results of the structural properties of2(ZnSe) x (CuInSe 2 ) 1-x (ZCIS) crystals and thin films in the range 0.10 ≤ x ≤ 0.36. In this composition range the tetragonal phase (domains) within their surrounding cubic matrix coexists. The crystals were prepared by the solid-state reaction of the elements, followed by controlled cooling at different rates. ZCIS thin films were prepared by selenization of sequentally evaporated ZnSe/(Cu + In) precursors. The selenization procedure was carried at various temperatures ranging from 300 to 540 °C. The morphology of the tetragonal domains and their orientation relationship to the cubic matrix were determined by selected area diffraction (SAD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high resolution TEM (HRTEM). The results reveal that the compositions of domains and matrix within the thin films agree with those measured for polycrystalline bulk material, i.e. the extension of the two-phase range mentioned above could be confirmed.