Structural, photoluminescence and photoelectrochemical properties of electrosynthesized ZnSe spheres

Zinc selenide (ZnSe) spheres have been successfully synthesized by a simple galvanostatic mode of electrodeposition method for the photoelectrochemical properties. These spheres are characterized for their structural and morphological features using X-ray diffraction studies, scanning electron microscopy techniques. The growth mechanism of the ZnSe spheres have been discussed in detail, which can be addressed as the 2H⁺ gas trap and cation exchange reaction. UV–vis absorption spectra revealed that an absorbance peak at 380 nm and its band gap energy was found to be ~2.57 eV. Photoluminescence measurement spectra revealed that, the spheres exhibit strong emission at 675.94 nm. The photoelectrochemical measurement of ZnSe spheres was studied and the calculated efficiency was found to be ~0.05 %. In the electrodeposition galvanostatic mode is good technique applicable for controlling the film thickness. Hence, these galvanostatically electrosynthesized ZnSe spheres could be used as a buffer layer in the photoelectrochemical solar cells.