Heliyon (Feb 2024)
Augmenting the band gap of iron diselenide pyrite via ruthenium alloy integration
Abstract
The study aimed to enhance the properties of thin FeSe2 films by incorporating ruthenium through spray pyrolysis. Films were deposited on pre-heated glass substrates and subjected to controlled heating in a selenium-rich environment. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the presence of FeSe2 phase. Films with specific ruthenium ratios showed notable improvements in optical attributes, including increased absorption coefficient and a higher direct band gap, aligning with desired values for photovoltaic applications. Hall Effect measurements revealed N-type conductivity with varying concentrations and temperature-dependent electrical properties. The results highlight the efficacy of ruthenium as a promising alloying candidate for developing photovoltaic materials, emphasizing the versatility of the produced films across multiple domains.