Photo-electrochemical properties of Cd1−xHgxSe thin films

The Photo-electrochemical studies on chemically deposited Cd1−xHgxSe thin films (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) have been carried out to assess its suitability for use in conversion of solar energy to electrical energy. The PEC cell with Cd1−xHgxSe thin films as photoanode and sulphide–polysulphide (0.5 M) solution as electrolyte have been constructed and investigated for various cell parameters as a function of photoelectrode composition parameter (x). The film with composition x = 0.4 (Cd0.6Hg0.4Se) showed enhanced solar to electrical conversion efficiency (η) and fill factor (ff). The observed enhancement has been correlated to decrease in photoelectrode resistance and band gap (Eg). The addition of Hg in CdSe, to certain limit, showed better performance and stability of the cell.