Design and fabrication of quaternary Co1−x−yZnxCdyS thin film photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell

Quaternary semiconductor thin films are an emerging material for the development of photoelectrochemical (PEC) cells. Here, we are presenting the photoelectrochemical properties of Co1−x−yZnxCdyS thin films. Chemical synthesis of quaternary Co1−x−yZnxCdyS thin films has been reported previously. As-deposited thin films were studied for morphological features using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of chemically deposited Co1−x−yZnxCdyS thin films have been studied. PEC cell of configuration Co1−x−yZnxCdyS/0.5M KCl/C was fabricated to study the various PEC parameters in dark and under illumination. The maximum efficiency and fill factor were found to be 1.06% and 0.39 respectively for composition x=y=0.15. •Improvement in topography with composition observed in Co1−x−yZnxCdyS thin films.•PEC cell of configuration Co1−x−yZnxCdyS/0.5M KCl/ C is devised.•The efficiency (η) and ff are 1.06% and 0.39 respectively for x=y=0.15.