Morphological modification of CdSe0.6Te0.4 nanostructures by electron irradiation and the effect on photoelectrochemical cells

Abstract

Morphologically well-ordered synthesis of nanomaterials by modification simple and cost effective. Electron irradiation is a promising pathway to develop various nanostructured materials. We report on the successful fabrication of hierarchical CdSe0.6Te0.4 nanostructures (nanonests, nanobrick-like small spheres with hybrid nanostructure, marigold, and nanoflowers) by electron beam irradiation in electrodeposition. These CdSe0.6Te0.4 nanostructures were employed as electrode material in solar cells, and the relationship between photoelectrochemical properties and CdSe0.6Te0.4 nanostructures was investigated, and showed that the photoelectrochemical properties strongly depend on CdSe0.6Te0.4 nanostructure morphology. The power conversion efficiency for nanonests, nanobrick-like small spheres with hybrid nanostructure, marigold, and nanoflowers of CdSe0.6Te0.4 were 0.88, 0.71, 1.03, and 0.94 %, respectively.