Structural Characterization of CdS-PVA Nano-Composites in view of their Applications in Solar Cells

Abstract

Cadmium sulfide (CdS) is a promising material for solar cell applications due to its excellent optical and electrical properties. In this study, we investigate the structural characteristics of CdS-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nano-composites, which are potential candidates for use in solar cells. The CdS-PVA nano-composites are synthesized using a simple chemical method, and their structural properties are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The XRD analysis reveals the formation of a single-phase hexagonal CdS structure, while the SEM images show the presence of well-dispersed CdS nanoparticles within the PVA matrix. The FTIR analysis confirms the presence of functional groups associated with PVA and CdS, and the optical properties of the CdS-PVA nano-composites are studied using UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results indicate a blue shift in the absorption edge, which is attributed to the quantum confinement effect. The structural, optical, and FTIR properties of the CdS-PVA nano-composites are further correlated with their potential applications in solar cells. Overall, our findings suggest that CdS-PVA nano-composites have great potential for use in high-efficiency solar cells.