Universal Electrochemical Synthesis of Mesoporous Chalcogenide Semiconductors: Mesoporous CdSe and CdTe Thin Films for Optoelectronic Applications

Here we report the soft-template-assisted electrochemical deposition of mesoporous semiconductors (CdSe and CdTe). The resulting films are stoichiometrically equivalent contain mesopores homogeneously distributed over entire surface. To demonstrate versatility method, two block copolymers with different molecular weights used, yielding pores either 9 or 18?nm diameter. As a proof concept, CdSe film-based photodetectors show high sensitivity 204?mW ?cm at 680?nm wavelength, which is least orders magnitude more sensitive than bulk counterpart. This work presents new synthesis route for nanostructured optical band gaps active in visible spectrum.