CdO nanonecklace: Effect of air annealing on performance of photo electrochemical cell

Abstract

Abstract Thin film consisting of hierarchical cadmium oxide nanonecklaces has been synthesized through room temperature chemically deposited cadmium hydroxide nanowires as template followed by air annealing. Formation of thin film has been confirmed with aid of structural, surface morphological, valence state and optical, studies performed by X-ray diffraction, Raman analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV–visible spectroscopy. Air annealing at 330\u202f°C has enhanced the photo electrochemical power conversion efficiency of the CdO as photoanode to 0.21% configured through platinum as counter electrode and polyiodide as a liquid electrolyte. Complete device performance have been correlated through rate of recombination, and electron life time. The schematic energy band alignment also has been comprehended herein.