Preparation of mixed (Cd,Bi)S composite thin films via surfactant facilitated electrodeposition process and their photoelectrochemical characterization

In the present investigation we explored possibilities of preparing mixed CdS-Bi2S3 composite thin films of nanodimensions using a single step surfactant facilitated electrochemical process from aqueous solutions containing different colloidal concentrations of CdS and Bi2S3 particles. As deposited composite thin films has been characterized on the basis of SEM, AFM and XRD studies for determination of their surface morphology, surface roughness and grain size. Photoelectrochemical characterization of these composite materials has been carried out on the basis of photopotential, current-voltage (I-V) characteristics under dark and illumination conditions and photoaction spectral studies. Attempt has also been made to estimate the resistance of these composite materials towards their electrochemical corrosion. As prepared mixed (Cd,Bi)S composite semiconductor film exhibits substantial improvement in their photoelectrochemical properties.