Formation of selenide, sulfide or mixed selenide-sulfide films on metal or metal coated substrates

Abstract

A composition for preventing cracking in composite structures comprising a metal coated substrate and a selenide, sulfide or mixed selenidesulfide film. Specifically, cracking is prevented in the coating of molybdenum coated substrates upon which a copper, indium-gallium diselenide (CIGS) film is deposited. Cracking is inhibited by adding a Se passivating amount of oxygen to the Mo and limiting the amount of Se deposited on the Mo coating.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A metal-coated substrate with a CuInGaR 2  film on a surface of the metal coating, wherein R is Se or a combination of Se and S, wherein the metal coating contains oxygen in an amount sufficient to inhibit reaction of the metal with Se, and wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of Mo, W, Cr, Ta, Nb, V and Ti. 
     
     
         21 . The metal-coated substrate according to  claim 20  wherein the amount of oxygen is 6-8 atomic percent.