Atanu Jana

Studies on the photo-electrochemical behaviour of Bi2S3NPs embedded in a PANINFs matrix

A voltammetric technique was used to produce a thin coating of polyaniline nanofibers (PANINFs) on ITO-coated glass substrates. Thereafter, bismuth sulfide nanoparticles (Bi2S3NPs) were chemically deposited on the PANINFs layer. The composite films were firmly adhered to the substrate and uniformly distributed. The films were characterized by optical, electron microscopic and electrochemical techniques to identify their possible applications in liquid junction solar cells. The functional properties of the bare Bi2S3NPs were increased considerably by using PANINFs as the support materials in the composite matrix. The study of the electrochemical polarization of the synthesized films and subsequent anodic stripping voltammetry enabled the extent of the degradation of the films during polarization to be determined. Electrochemical studies revealed the n-type character of the composite film, which exhibited a substantially higher photo-conversion efficiency than the pure Bi2S3NPs film.

Voltammetric deposition of BiCdTe composite films with improved functional properties for photo-electrochemical cells

Polycrystalline semiconductor films of BiCdTe composites were electro-deposited on ITO coated glass through a voltammetric technique under variable periodic cycles. The crystal structure and composition of the films were determined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis and the optical features were recorded using a UV-visible spectrometer. The band gap energy of the ternary films was found to be within the range of 1.5–1.7 eV. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy provided important information regarding the interfacial properties of the films in polysulphide medium. The current–voltage measurements for the photo-electrochemical solar cells fabricated with the prepared films as anode components exhibited encouraging photo-response and improved functional properties. The BiCdTe composite films were further subjected to anodic corrosion studies followed by anodic stripping voltammetry and the stability of the films was compared with that of CdTe. An optimal composition of the film matrix shows a performance efficiency of 4.3%, significantly high photo current and considerably greater stability compared to the individual binary chalcogenide films.