Photoelectrochemical Cell Based on Electrodeposited Nanofibrous ZnS Thin Film

Metal chalcogenide thin films prepared by electrodeposition are relatively inexpensive, simple, and convenient for large-area deposition. Nanofibrous ZnS thin films were deposited from solutions containing zinc sulphate, sodium thiosulphate, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. The deposition parameters were optimized by linear sweep voltammetry. Films were prepared for different deposition times on the stainless steel substrates. The films have been characterized by X-ray diffraction study, scanning electron microscopy, optical absorption spectroscopy, and photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell study. The PEC cell combination was n-ZnS|1M (Na
₂
S-NaOH-S) |graphite. From the current-voltage ( I-V) characteristics, it is concluded that films show n-type conductivity. The I-V characteristics were used to calculate fill factor and to study the performance of the cell.