Electrochemical synthesis of photosensitive nano-nest like CdSe0.6Te0.4 thin films

Polycrystalline CdSe0.6Te0.4 thin films were deposited on stainless steel and ITO coated glass (ITO) substrates by using simple and inexpensive electrodeposition method. CdSe0.6 Te0.4 films are characterized by different characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and contact angle measurement. The X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the films are polycrystalline with hexagonal crystal structure. FE-SEM studies reveal that the entire substrate surface is covered with CdSe0.6 Te0.4 nano-nest. Formation of CdSe0.6Te0.4 compound was confirmed from the FTIR studies. Optical absorption study shows the presence of direct transition and a considerable band gap, Eg = 1.7 eV. Surface wettability with solid–liquid interface showed hydrophilic nature with water contact angle 57° (<90°). Further photovoltaic activity of CdSe0.6Te0.4 films were studied by forming the photoelectrochemical cell having CdSe0.6Te0.4/1 M (Na2S + S + NaOH)/C cell configuration. The efficiency and fill factor of these PEC cells are found to be 0.64% and 0.49 respectively.