Annealing Effect on One Step Electrodeposited CuSbSe2 Thin Films

The purpose of this work is to study the influence of the annealing temperature on the structural, morphological, compositional and optical properties of CuSbSe2 thin films electrodeposited in a single step. CuSbSe2 thin films were grown on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)/glass substrates using the aqueous electrodeposition technique, then annealed in a tube furnace under nitrogen at temperatures spanning from 250 to 500 °C. The resulting films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis, Raman spectroscopy and UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The annealing temperature plays a fundamental role on the films structural properties; in the range 250–350 °C the formation of pure CuSbSe2 phase from electrodeposited binary selenides occurs. From 400 to 500 °C, CuSbSe2 undergoes a preferential phase orientation change, as well as the increasing formation of copper-rich phases such as Cu3SbSe3 and Cu3SbSe4 due to the partial decomposition of CuSbSe2 and to the antimony losses.

Analysis of Growth Mechanisms and Microstructure Evolution of Pb+2 Minor Concentrations by Electrodeposition Technique

In this study, the electrodeposition technique has been used to deposit low concentrations of highly toxic lead (Pb) cations into a solution of nitrate at a constant potential of -1V on fluorine-doped tin oxide electrodes (FTO). Monitoring of the reaction was conducted with the assistance of a computerized potentiostat/galvanostat setup, in cyclic voltammetry and in situ chronoamperometry modes. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-Ray, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy techniques were used to examine the crystal structure, morphology, and optical properties of the lead deposits, respectively. Pb regular micro-hexagons have been identified; their size and density were significantly influenced by the cationic precursor’s concentration. The correlation between the morphological and crystallographical structures of the electrodeposits was discussed. Based on chronoamperometric measurements, a mechanism for the growth of Pb deposits on FTO substrate has been proposed. Based on the reported results, electrodeposition processes of low heavy metals concentrations in contaminated water could be optimized using the eco-friendly electrodeposition technique.

Pulsed Reverse Potential Electrodeposition of Carbon-Free Ni/NiO Nanocomposite Thin Film Electrode for Energy Storage Supercapacitor Electrodes

A combined cyclic voltammetry and pulse reverse potential electrodeposition technique has been used to synthesize carbon-free Ni/NiO nanocomposite thin film supercapacitor electrode. The structural and morphological analyses have revealed the presence of crystalline phases of both Ni and NiO in the form of nanospheres of size ~ 50 nm. The electrochemical analysis of the Ni/NiOna nocomposite electrode has shown a remarkable performance by delivering a high specific capacitance of 2000 Fg−1 at an applied current load of 1 Ag−1 and a capacitance retention of 98.6%, after over 800 cycles under a high current load of 20 Ag−1.