Pulse electrodeposition of CuSbS2 thin films: Role of Cu/Sb precursor ratio on the phase formation and its performance as photocathode for hydrogen evolution§
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: In this paper, we outline the development of stoichiometric chalcostibite, CuSbS 2 thin films, from a single bath by pulse electrodeposition for its application as a photocathode in photoelectrochemical cells (PEC). The Cu/Sb precursor molar ratio of the deposition bath was varied to obtain stoichiometric CuSbS 2 thin films. The optimized deposition and dissolution potentials were −0.72 V and −0.1 V vs saturated calomel electrode, respectively. The formation of CuSbS 2 was analyzed using different characterization tools. X-ray diffraction and Raman results showed the formation of the pure chalcostibite phase from a precursor bath with molar ratio Cu/Sb = 0.41. The heterostructure CuSbS 2 /CdS/Pt was tested as a photocathode in the PEC. The energy positions of the conduction and valence bands were estimated from the Mott Schottky plots. The conduction band and valence band offset of CuSbS 2 /CdS heterojunction were 0.1 eV and 1.04 eV, respectively. The electric field created in the junction reduced the recombination of the electron/hole pairs and improved charge transfer in the interface. The heterostructure CuSbS 2 /CdS/Pt demonstrated an improved photocurrent density of 3.4 mA cm −2 at 0 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode. The PEC efficiency obtained from the CuSbS 2 /CdS heterojunction was 0.56 %. Therefore, we demonstrated the feasibility of an inexpensive technique like electrodeposition for the development of an efficient earth-abundant photocathode.
Source: Heliyon
Authors: R.G. Avilez García, Andrea Cerdán-Pasarán, J.P. Enríquez, N.R. Mathews
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,100
Award: G6636795826
OpenAlex ID: W4391069290