A robust and self-assembled route to synthesis of CdZn(Se1−xTex)2 photoanodes as light harvesters for photoelectrochemical solar cells

Abstract

This work reports on the development of CdZn(Se1−xTex)2 thin films utilized as the photoanode for photoelectrochemical cells (PECs). It was found that the incorporation of tellurium plays an important role in determining the optostructural, morphological, compositional and PEC performance of thin films. XRD measurements showed that the deposited thin films are in the mixed phases with a nanocrystalline nature. SEM images indicated that the surface morphology is favourable for effective light absorption in the solar spectrum. The EDS spectrum confirmed that thin film deposition occured in a stoichiometric manner. A detailed quantitative study was also executed using XPS and revealed the presence of Cd2+, Zn2+, Se2− and Te2− elements in the deposited thin film. Finally, the deposited thin films were tested for their photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance. The PEC study illustrated that CdZn(Se1−xTex)2 thin film showed the highest power conversion efficiency (η) of 1.13% among reported values.