Synthesis and characterization of temperature-dependent nanospherical Cu2−xSe thin films for photoelectrochemical cell application

• Published in: Journal of materials science. Materials in electronics Vol. 35; no. 28; p. 1836
• Main Authors: Kalvikatte, Pratik M., Patil, P. R., Mahadik, V. M., Mayanekar, A. A., Dongale, T. D., Mane, R. M., Bhosale, P. N., Khot, Kishorkumar V.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.10.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Copper selenides; Crystal structure; Electromagnetic absorption; Energy conversion; Indium oxides; Indium tin oxides; Materials Science; Optical and Electronic Materials; Photoelectrochemical devices; Soda-lime glass; Spectrophotometry; Stability augmentation; Substrates; Temperature dependence; Thin films
• ISSN: 0957-4522; 1573-482X
• DOI: 10.1007/s10854-024-13592-3

In this investigation, copper selenide (Cu 2− x Se, x  = 0.57) thin films were synthesized employing the environmentally benign self-organized arrested precipitation technique (APT) on the soda-lime glass (SLG) as well as on tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) substrates, varying deposition temperatures of 40 °C, 55 °C, 70 °C. Characterization, encompassing UV–Vis spectrophotometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results elucidated distinctive attributes of the thin films, having a notably visible light absorption profile in the range of 600–700 nm for all samples and characterized by bandgap energy of 1.59 eV for the sample at 70 °C. The manifestation of a singularly phase-pure cubic crystal structure for temperature of 70 °C and hexagonal for 45 °C and 55 °C temperatures, and the emergence of nanospherical surface morphology. Significantly, the Cu 2− x Se thin films evinced augmented photoelectrochemical (PEC) proficiency, prolonged stability in PEC environments, and exhibited consistent p-type conductivity. Underscoring their prospective utility in energy conversion, particularly in the context of photoelectrochemical cells.