CdTe electrodeposition and stripping: an electrochemical quartz crystal analysis

Electrodeposition and stripping of tellurium and cadmium telluride (CdTe) have been studied by means of simultaneous voltammetric and electrogravimetric experiments. The combined analysis of the results is a powerful method for studying these complex electrochemical systems. The experiments were performed in a sulfate electrolyte containing HTeO2+ with or without CdSO4. The several oxidation/reduction waves are related to the different deposition/stripping processes. The reduction of HTeO2+ to Te-O and the cathodic stripping of Te-O to H2Te are clearly shown in cadmium free electrolytes. Also, the anodic stripping process of both Te-O and CdTe is analyzed and discussed in comparison with other published work. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.