The Relation Between Performance and Stability of Cd‐Chalcogenide/Polysulfide Photoelectrochemical Cells: I . Model and the Effect of Photoetching

Abstract

Photoetching of , , and electrodes, which is known to improve their quantum efficiency in electrochemical solar cells, is found to improve the electrode stability in polysulfide electrolyte, even, though the photocurrent is increased after the photoetching (under constant illumination intensity). A simple model for the performance and the stability of Cd‐chalcogenide/polysulfide photoelectrochemical cells is suggested, according to which any parameter that increases the quantum efficiency of the photoelectrode will also increase the electrode stability. Any impediment on the flow of holes into the electrolyte will lead to increased photocorrosion and surface recombination. The validity of this model is tested by measuring the quantum efficiency, electrode stability, and photocurrent transients at various light intensities and electrolyte concentrations.