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The high aqueous solubility of K/sub 2/S and its effect on bulk and photoelectrochemical characteristics of Cd(SeTe)/S/subX= cells: 1. Polysulfide variation at constant sulfur/sulfide ratio

Journal Article · · J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5984402

The aqueous solubility of K/sub 2/S is measured to be 5.6, 8.9, and 11.3m at 0/sup 0/, 25/sup 0/, and 72/sup 0/C. respectively. The high K/sub 2/S solubility, compared to that of Na/sub 2/S, is discussed. An increase in potassium sulfide concentration in polysulfide solutions containing a fixed ratio of dissolved sulfur to alkali sulfide is shown to: (i) modify the distribution of polysulfide species in solution, (ii) increase the solution-absorbance of light, (iii) negatively shift the redox potential, (iv) increase the calculated disproportionation-limited lifetime of the solution, and (v) decrease potassium ion activity. Thin film Cd(SeTe) photoelectrochemical solar cells were investigated with polysulfide electrolytes containing 0.5 to 8.5m K/sub 2/S. At either lower or higher sulfide concentrations, photocurrent, fill factor, and conversion efficiency are depressed. A relative gain in efficiency >30% is achieved with electrolytes of intermediate concentration containing 1 to 2m potassium sulfide.

Research Organization:
Dept. of Materials Res., The Weizmann Inst. of Science, Rehovot 76100
OSTI ID:
5984402
Journal Information:
J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Electrochem. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 133:2; ISSN JESOA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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