Energy band investigation and role of Fe content in Zn1-xFexSe based nanomaterials for photoelectrochemical cell application

Abstract Zn 1-x Fe x Se thin films are synthesized for photoelectrochemical cell application using the simple and cost-effective potentiostatic electrodeposition method. The Fe 2+ ions are varied from 10 to 40% concerning Zn. The Zn 2+ atoms in ZnSe crystals replaced by Fe 2+ ions and studied the optical, morphological, structural, photoluminescence and photoelectrochemical cell characteristics of the Zn 1-x Fe x Se based composite. The different analytical tools are used to investigate the properties of Zn 1-x Fe x Se based composite. Wettability studies of thin films are investigated using contact angle meter. The EIS technique is used to study the electrochemical properties. Photoelectrochemical cell properties are investigated using the J-V characteristic study. The variation in Fe 2+ ions is responsible for the change in crystal size and morphology. Hence differences are observed in corresponding photoluminescence and photoelectrochemical cell performance.