In situ microscopic observation of nucleation and growth processes in electrodeposition of (BEDT-TTF)2Cu(NCS)2 thin films from a homogeneous solution

Electrodeposition of thin films of (BEDT-TTF)2Cu(NCS)2 (BEDT-TTF = bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene) from a homogeneous solution in 1,1,2-trichloroethane onto indium-tin oxide substrates was investigated. An optimum electrolyte solution was searched for from the viewpoint of solubilities of BEDT-TTF, its salt, CuSCN and KSCN. In situ microscopic observation of nucleation and growth processes was carried out to explore the condition under which nucleation was enhanced. The nucleation and growth processes were recorded with a video recording system. It was found that application of a high potential for a short period could bring about a high density of nucleation center.