An in situ infrared spectroscopic study of ligand adsorption from aqueous solutions to cadmium telluride particle films

An in situ infrared spectroscopic study is described of the adsorption of 8-quinolinol, thiosulfate, thiosalicyclic acid and diethyldithiocarbamate from aqueous solution to cadmium telluride (CdTe) particle films. Adsorption isotherms and adsorption constants have been derived for 8-quinolinol and thiosulfate adsorbed to CdTe. The presence of a sulfur donor atom within the adsorbate favours adsorption to CdTe. Spectra recorded with carboxylic acids except thiosalicyclic gave no evidence of adsorbed species, due to their inability to displace the passive oxide film from the CdTe surface.