Surface induced charge transfer in CuxIn2-xS3 nanostructures and their enhanced photoelectronic and photocatalytic performance

P. Ilanchezhiyan, G. Mohan Kumar, Fu Xiao, C. Siva, Shavkat U. Yuldashev, D. J. Lee, H. C. Jeon, T. W. Kang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Multi-functional semiconducting nanostructures are gaining popularity for application in photoelectronics, energy storage devices and also in industrial and environmental remediation functions. In this regard, CuxIn2-xS3 nanostructures were investigated in detail for their photoelectrical and photocatalytic performance. Their physico-chemical characteristics were at first studied using X-ray diffraction, Raman, UV–vis absorbance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and high resolution electron microscopic tools. CuxIn2-xS3 based flip chip Schottky diodes were demonstrated to attest their improved conductivity and enhanced photoelectrical performance. The photo switching capabilities of a type II p-n CdTe/CuxIn2-xS3 heterojunction was also investigated. In both the device configurations, the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics revealed the forward current and rectification ratio to improve under lower threshold voltages. The time-dependent photoresponse characteristics affirmed the stability of diodes, augmenting the improved/effective separation of photo generated electron hole pairs under illumination. Additionally, the photocatalytic performances of CuxIn2-xS3 nanostructures were inferred under visible light conditions through effective remediation of methylene blue (MB) dye molecules. The obtained results infer the Cu interaction in tetragonal lattice of CuxIn2-xS3 to promote the surface induced charge transfer mechanism in respective nanostructures, thereby enhancing their photoelectronic and photocatalytic functionalities.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)100-107
Number of pages8
JournalSolar Energy Materials and Solar Cells
Volume191
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2019

Keywords

  • Nanostructures, Semiconductors
  • Photocatalysis
  • Photodiodes

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