Photocurrent enhancement in a Cu2Cd(SSe)2 photoanode synthesized via an arrested precipitation route

Abstract

In the present investigation, nanostructured combinatorial quaternary Cu₂Cd(SSe)₂ thin films have been successfully synthesized via a self organized arrested precipitation technique (APT). The synthesized quaternary Cu₂Cd(SSe)₂ thin films show an enhancement in the photocurrent for Cu-poor composition, which signifies that the synthesized quaternary material is commensurate with other Cu-based quaternary and multinary materials for solar cell application. The optostructural study clearly illustrates that the synthesized thin films have optimized band gap energy with mixed crystal structures. The morphological study indicates the formation of hierarchical microstructures. A compositional study confirms the formation of quaternary thin films with the required composition. J–V curves demonstrate that photocurrent enhancement is observed in quaternary Cu₂Cd(SSe)₂ thin films with an increase in Cu-content. The resultant maximum short circuit current density (J_sc) and open circuit voltage (V_oc) are 1.23 mA cm⁻² and 437 mV respectively.