Journal of Applied Electrochemistry, Vol.30, No.4, 419-427, 2000
Texture prediction of Bi2Te3 electroplated layers using Hartman's theory of crystal growth
An experimental study of electroplated thin films of bismuth telluride, m crystal structure, shows that fibre textures are observed during the growth of the layers. Several orientations [00.1], [10.10], [11.0], [10.4], [10.8], [01.5] and [10.0] are developed during the deposition process, then reach a final orientation. Hartman's theory of crystal growth based on the periodic bond chain (PBC) in a crystal lattice is usually applied. This explains the equilibrium shape of a crystal defined by F faces and the faces observed during the growth (S and K faces). It also successfully predicts the orientations observed in bismuth telluride from the beginning to the end of the layer deposition. The theory may also be applied to other deposition processes.