Photoelectric Properties of ZnₓCd₁-ₓS-Based Photosensitive Semiconductor Structures with Enhanced Ultraviolet Response
Abstract
The work is devoted to the study of the photoelectric characteristics of an Au-ZnxCd1-xS-Mo structured film injection photodetector sensitive in the ultraviolet and visible region of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, with maximum sensitivity in the utraviolet region. It has been established that the spectral sensitivity of the Au-ZnxCd1-xS-Mo structured film injection photodetector depends on the temperatures on the ZnS and CdS evaporators, which affect the composition of the photoactive layer ZnxCd1-xS (x= zn / (Zn + Cd)) in Au-ZnxCd1-xS-Mo -structured film injection photodetector. By changing the temperature on the ZnS evaporator, during the growth of the ZnxCd1-xS layer, a ZnxCd1-xS layer was synthesized on a molybdenum substrate, which served as a photoactive layer for the Au-ZnxCd1-xS-Mo photodetector. The created photodetector had sensitivity in the ultraviolet and visible regions of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, the maximum value of which was in the ultraviolet region. An analysis of the spectral sensitivity indicates that in the created photodetector the photoactive layer is graded-gap, the band gap of which decreases from Eg = 3.05 eV to Eg = 2.45 eV . A study of light current-voltage characteristics for monochromatic radiation showed that they are characterized by different values of the diode ideality factor ( n) and reverse saturation current (Jo ). The synthesized ZnxCd1-xS layer can be used as a buffer layer in thin-film solar cells, such as CdTe, CIGS and others, instead of the CdS layer, which will make it possible to increase both the short-circuit current value and the open-circuit voltage of thin-film solar cells.
Downloads
References
B. Liu, J. Li, W. Yang, X. Zhang, X. Jiang, and Y. Bando, “Semiconductor Solid-Solution Nanostructures: Synthesis, Property Tailoring, and Applications,” 13(45), 1701998 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.201701998
Y.Y. Zhan, Z.B. Shao, T.H. Jiang, J. Ye, X.F. Wu, B.C. Zhang, K. Ding, D. Wu, and J.S. Jie, “Cation exchange synthesis of two-dimensional vertical Cu2S/CdS heterojunctions for photovoltaic device applications,” J. Mater. Chem. A, 8, 789 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1039/C9TA11304E
A. Bosio, G. Rosa, and N. Romeo, “Past, present and future of the thin film CdTe/CdS solar cells,” Solar Energy, 175(11), 31 43 (2018). http://dx.doi.org/10.1134/S1063783412090193
V. Bermudes, “On overview on electrodeposited Cu(In,Ga) (Se,S)2 thin films for photovoltaic devices,” Solar Energy, 175, 2 8 (2018). http://dx.doi.org/10.1134/S1063783412090193
T. Kato, J.-L. Wu, Y. Hirai, H. Sugimoto, and V. Bermudez, “Record Efficiency for Thin-Film Polycrystalline Solar Cells Up to 22.9% Achieved by Cs-Treated Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2,” IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics, 9(1), 325-330 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1109/JPHOTOV.2018.2882206
S.-Y. Wei, Y.-C. Liao, C.-H. Hsu, C.-H. Cai, W.-C. Huang, M.-C. Huang, and C.-H. Lai, “Achieving high efficiency Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 solar cells by non-toxic aqueous ink: Defect analysis and electrical modeling,” Nano Energy, 26, 74-82 (2016). http://dx.doi.org/10.1134/S1063783412090193
M.S. De Urquijo-Ventura, M.G.S. Rao, S. Meraz-Davila, J.A. Torres-Ochoa, M.A. Quevedo-Lopez, and R. Ramirez-Bon, “PVPS iO2 and PVP-TiO2 hybrid films for dielectric gate applications in CdS-based thin film transistors,” Polymer, 191, 122261 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2020.122261
D.B. Istamov, O.A. Abdulkhayev, Sh.M. Kuliyev, N. Abdullayev, A.Sh. Ashirov, and D.M. Yodgorova, “Temperature response curve of silicon diode temperature sensors,” East Eur. J. Phys. (2), 287-291 (2025), https://doi.org/10.26565/2312-4334-2025-2-35
R.R. Bebitov, O.A. Abdulkhaev, D.M. Yodgorova, D.B. Istamov, G.M. Hamdamov, Sh.M. Kuliyev, A.A. Khakimov and A.Z. Rakhmatov, “Dependence of the accuracy of the silicon diode temperature sensors for cryogenic thermometry on the spread of their parameters,” Low Temperature Physics, 49(2), 277–282 (2023). https://doi:10.1063/10.0016843
R.R. Bebitov, O.A. Abdulkhaev, D.M. Yodgorova, D.B. Istamov, Sh.M. Kuliyev, A.A. Khakimov, A.B. Bobonazarov, et al. “Distribution of impurities in base-depleted region of diode temperature sensor,” Low Temperature Physics, 50(5), 418–424 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1063/10.0025635
J. Meza-Arroyo, K.C.S. Reddy, M.G.S. Rao, F. Garibay-Martínez, M.S. de Urquijo-Ventura, and R. Ramírez-Bon, “Solution-based CdS thin film transistors with low temperature-processed Al2O3-GPTMS-PMMA as hybrid dielectric gate,” Semiconductor Science and Technology, 36, 045015 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6641/abe01c
Y.B. Zhang, F.J. Zhang, H.Z. Wang, L. Wang, F.F. Wang, Q.L. Lin, H.B. Shen, and L.S. Li, “High-efficiency CdSe/CdS nanorod-based red light-emitting diodes,” Optics Express, 27, 7935 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1364/OE.27.007935
T. Duan, J. Ai, S. Chen, G. He, X. Guo, L. Han, S. Che, and Y. Duan, “Chiral CdSe/CdS quantum dot (in rod)-light-emitting diodes with circularly polarized electroluminescence,” Nano Rasearch, 15(10), 9573-9577 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12274-022-4536-7
D.B. Istamov, O.A. Abdulkhayev, and S.M. Kuliyev, “Limiting characteristics of silicon diode temperature sensors for determining the maximum temperature with specified measurement accuracy,” UNEC J. Eng. Appl. Sci. 5(1), 63-69 (2025). https://doi.org/10.61640/ujeas.2025.0507
G.Z. Wang, L.X. Gong, Z.F. Li, B. Wang, W.L. Zhang, B.F. Yuan, T.W. Zhou, et al., “A two-dimensional CdO/CdS heterostructure used for visible light photocatalysis,” Physical Chem. Chemical Physics, 22(17), 9587-9592 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1039/D0CP00876A
J.M. Hwang, M.O. Oh, I. Kim, J.K. Lee, and C.S. Ha, “Preparation and characterization of ZnS based nano-crystalline particles for polymer light-emitting diodes,” Current Applied Physics, 5(1), 31-34 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1016/.j.cap.2003.11.075
X.C. Yu, Q.Q. Xing, X.P. Zhang, H.L. Jiang, and F.R. Cao, “Photoelectrochemical water splitting using TiO2 nanorod arrays coated with Zn-doped CdS,” Journal of Materials Science, 56(18), 11059 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-021-06008-8
S. Joishy, DD.N. Hebbar, S.D. Kulkarni, K.G. Rao, and B.V. Rajendra, “Band structure controlled solid solution of spray deposited Cd1-xZnxS films: investigation on photoluminescence and photo response properties,” Physica B Condensed Matter, 586, 412143 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physb.2020.412143
K.M. McPeak, B. Opasanont, T. Shibata, D.K. Ko, M.A. Becker, S. Chattopadhyay, H.P. Bui, et al., “Microreactor chemical bath deposition of laterally graded Cd1-xZnxS thin films: a route to high through put optimization for photovoltaic buffer layers,” Chemistry of Materials, 25(3), 297–306 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1021/cm3023506
S.Z. Werta, O.K. Echendu, K.O. Egbo, and F.B. Dejene, “Electrochemical deposition and characterization of thin-film Cd1-xZnxS for solar cell application: the effect of cathodic deposition voltage,” Thin Film Solids, 689, 137511 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsf.2019.137511
M. Isik, M. Terlemezoglu, S. Isik, K. Erturk, and N.M. Gasanly, “The effect of Zn concentration on the structural and optical properties of Cd1-xZnxS nanostructured thin films,” J Mater. Sci: Mater. Electron. 32, 25225–25233 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-021-06980-6
R.R. Kabulov, L.O‘. Shuhratova, K.T. Suyarov, F.A. Akbarov, D.B. Istamov. Structural, Compositional, and Photoluminescence Properties of CsPbBr3 Thin Films Grown by Single-source Thermal Vacuum Chemical Vapor Deposition. e-Journal of Surface Science and Nanotechnology 23. 364–367 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1380/ejssnt.2025-051
R.R. Kobulov, M.A. Makhmudov, S.Y. Gerasimenko, and O.K. Ataboev, “Morphology and Current Transport in a Thin-Film Polycrystalline Au–ZnxCd1-xS–Mo Structure with Wide Photosensitivity Range in the Ultraviolet and Visible Radiation Spectral Region,” Applied Solar Energy, 54(4), 251–254 (2018). https://doi.org/10.3103/S0003701X18040084
S.Z. Werta, O.K. Echendu, K.O. Egbo, and F.B. Dejene, “Electrochemical deposition and characterization of thin-film Cd1-xZnxS for solar cell application: the effect of cathodic deposition voltage,” Thin Film Solids, 689, 137511 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsf.2019.137511
M. Zakria, A. Mahmood, A. Shah, Q. Raza, T.M. Khan, and E. Ahmed, “Tunability of physical properties of (Cd:Zn)S thin film by close space sublimation process (CSSP),” Prog. Nat. Sci. 22, 281 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pnsc.2012.07.006
M. Shkir, M. Anis, S.S. Shaikh, M.S. Hamdy, and S. AlFaify, “Impact of Se doping on optical and third-order nonlinear optical properties of spray pyrolysis fabricated CdS thin films for optoelectronics,” Appl. Phys. B, 127, 121 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00340-020-07472-x
J. Mathew, S. Devasia, S. Shaji, and E.I. Anila, “Metal–semiconductor–metal visible photodetector based on Al-doped (Cd:Zn)S nano thin films by hydrothermal synthesis,” Optik, 241, 166878 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijleo.2021.166878
Sh.A. Mirsagatov, A.K. Uteniyazov, and A.S. Achilov, Physics of the Solid State, 54, (2012). http://dx.doi.org/10.1134/S1063783412090193
N.K. Abrikosov, V. F. Bankina, L.V. Poretskaya, L.E. Shelimova, and E.V. Skudnova, "AIIBVI Compounds," in: Semiconducting II–VI, IV–VI, and V–VI Compounds, (Springer Science+Business Media, New York, 1969), pp.1-64. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-6373-4_1
S.Yu. Pavelets, Yu.N. Bobrenko, T.V. Semikina, B.S. Atdaev, G.I. Sheremetova, and M.V. Yaroshenko, “Ultraviolet sensors based on ZnxCd1-xS Solid solutions,” Ukrainian Journal of physics, 64(4), 308 (2019). https://doi.org/10.15407/ujpe64.4.308
D. Lilhare, and A. Khare, “Temperature dependent characterizations of chemically deposited (Cdx-Zn1-x)S nanocrystalline films for solar cell applications,” Optical Materials, 108, 110385 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2020.110385
B. Barman, K.V. Bangera, G.K. Shivakumar, “ZnxCd1-xS thin films: A study towards its application as a reliable photodetector,” Superlattices and Microstructures, 137, 106349 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spmi.2019.106349
Sh.A. Mirsagatov, and A.A. Mavlonov, “High Efficiency UV Photocells Based on ZnxCd1 – xS Solid Solutions,” Applied Solar Energy, 48(1), 51–54 (2012). https://doi.org/10.3103/S000 3701X12010100
R.R. Kobulov, М.А. Махмudov, and S.Yu. Gerasimenko, “Fabrication and investigation of ultravialet Au-ZnxCd1–xS-Mo-structures,” Applied Solar Energy, 53(1), 10-12 (2017). https://doi.org/10.3103/S0003701X1701008X
Sh.A. Mirsagatov, A.Yu. Leiderman, and O.K. Ataboev, “Mechanism of Charge Transfer in Injection Photodiodes Based on the In–n+CdS–nCdSxTe1–x–pZnxCd1 – xTe–Mo Structure,” Physics of the Solid State, 55(8), 1635–1646 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1134/S1063783413080192
R.R. Kobulov, М.А. Махмudov, and S.Yu. Gerasimenko, “Fabrication and investigation of ultravialet Au-ZnxCd1–xS-Mo-structures, Applied Solar Energy, 53(1), 10-12 (2017). https://doi.org/10.3103/S0003701X1701008X
S.M. Sze, and K.Ng. Kwok, Physics of Semiconductor Devices, 3rd ed., (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey, 2007).
M. Grandman, “The Physics of Semiconductors”, Second Edition, (Springer – Verlag, Berlin, Heydelberg. 2010).
K. Ohata, I. Saraie, and J. Tanaka, Jap. J. Appl. Phys. 12(10), 1641-1642 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1143/jjap.12.1641
Farrukh Akbarov; Rustam Kabulov; Anvar Alimov; Erkin Abduraimov; Dildora Nasirova. Dependence of output parameters of photovoltaic module based on CIGS solar cells on external temperatures. AIP Conf. Proc. 3331, 040046 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0305885
R.R. Kabulov, М.A. Makhmudov, M.U. Khajiev, and O.K. Ataboev, “The Study of Factors that Influence on the Effectiveness of the Photoconversion of n-CdS/p-CdTe Heterostructures,” Applied Solar Energy, 52(1), 61–67 (2016). https://doi.org/10.3103/s0003701x16010047
S.M. Sze, “Semiconductor Devices. Physics & Technology”, 3rd ed. (John S. Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 2002).
R.R. Kabulov, N.A. Matchanov, and B.R. Umarov, “Features of load current–voltage characteristics of a monocrystalline silicon solar cell at various levels of solar illumination,” Applied Solar Energy, 53(4), 297–298 (2016). https://doi.org/10.3103/S0003701X16010047
Sh.A. Mirsagatov, R.R. Kabulov, and M.A. Makhmudov, “Injection Photodiode Based on an n-CdS/p-CdTe Heterostructure,” Semiconductors, 47(6), 825–830 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1134/S106378261306016X
R.R. Kabulov, S.Y. Gerasimenko, and F.A. Akbarov, “Effect of Solar Radiation of Different Power on the Internal Amplification of the Primary Photocurrent in Heterostructures Based on Cadmium Telluride,” Applied Solar Energy, 59(2), 118–124 (2023). https://doi.org/10.3103/S0003701X22601065
A.Yu. Leiderman, and M.M. Kashaev, “Lifetime specifics of nonequilibrum carriers in photoelectric cells based on gallium arsenide obtained via the Czochralski method,” Applied Solar Energy, 49(4), 244-247 (2013). https://doi.org/10.3103/s0003701x13040105
M.A. Green, “Solar cell efficiency tables (Version 60),” Prog. Photovoltaics Res. Appl. 30, 687–701 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1002/pip.3595
A.G. Komilov, R. Kabulov, B.E. Egamberdiev, Y.Z. Nasrullayev, and F.A. Akbarov, “The Result of Successive Exposure to Reverse and Forward Bias on the Electrophysical Characteristics of ZnO:Al/i-ZnO/CdS/CuIn1 –xGax(S, Se)2/Mo Structure Solar Cells,” Applied Solar Energy, 58(4), 476-481 (2022). https://doi.org/10.3103/S0003701X22040090
R.R. Kabulov, “Features of a ZnxCd1–xS Buffer Layer for Use in Thin-Film Solar Cells in the Context of a Literature Review,” Applied Solar Energy, 56(5), 383–387 (2020). https://doi.org/10.3103/S0003701X20050096
Copyright (c) 2026 R.R. Kabulov, D.B. Istamov, K.T. Suyarov, F.A. Akbarov

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).



