Effect of Bath Temperature on Structure, Morphology and Thermoelectric Properties of CoSb3 Thin Films

CoSb3 thin films are deposited on conducting glass substrates (FTO) by electrodeposition at different bath temperatures (60 degrees C, 70 degrees C and 80 degrees C) and the resulting influence of the bath temperature on the structure, morphology and electrical properties of films is investigated. X-ray diffraction confirms the formation of CoSb3 phase in the films. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that different morphologies ranging from branched nano-flakes to nano-needles evolve as bath temperature increases. It is concluded that a growth temperature of 80 degrees C is suitable for producing CoSb3 films with such properties that show potential feasibility for thermoelectric applications.