Fractal patterns in binary semiconductors by electrochemical deposition

In this letter, we report the branched fractal patterns (BFP) of binary semiconductors (PbS and CdSe) by electrochemical deposition. Clear fractals are observed for CdSe, whereas fractals with scattered grains are observed for PbS. The higher the current density the more favorable the formation of BFP, whereas low current density favors the growth of scattered grains. This suggests the growth of PbS by two different mechanisms and is supported by the bimodal size distributions observed for samples that show BFP with scattered grains. The BFP of PbS and CdSe are discussed on the basis of the multiparticle Monte Carlo model described in the literature.