Synthesis and characterization of Cd0.7Pb0.3Se thin films for photoelectrochemical solar cell

Optimum composition Cd0.7Pb0.3Se thin films have been deposited using the chemical bath containing cadmium sulfate octahydrate, lead nitrate, tartaric acid, potassium hydroxide, ammonia, and sodium selenosulfate onto fluorine-doped tin oxide glass substrate. The various deposition parameters such as composition of reactive bath, pH of the solution, deposition temperature, deposition time, speed of rotation, etc. have been optimized for obtaining good quality film. X-ray diffraction studies revealed the polycrystalline nature of sample with the solid solution of lead (II) ions in CdSe host lattice, having a hexagonal phase structure. Scanning electron micrograph suggested that the grains were non-uniformly distributed over the substrate surface. Film composition was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy as well as energy dispersive X-ray atomic spectroscopy. Optical absorption data showed the presence of direct transition with energy band gap 1.80 eV for the deposited thin films. The dark specific conductance of Cd0.7Pb0.3Se thin films was found to the order of 10−6 (Ω cm)−1 having n-type semiconducting nature. Photoelectrochemical characterization was carried out using sulfide/polysulfide electrolyte with 1.401% efficiency.