A new method to prepare CdS film electrodes, based on electrochemical deposition
(ECD), followed by chemical bath deposition (CBD), is described. The ECD/CBDCdS
film electrodes combine the advantages of both ECD-CdS film (good adherence
to FTO/glass substrate) and CBD-CdS film (suitable film thickness) together. The
new ECD/CBD electrode showed higher photo-electrochemical (PEC) efficiency and
stability than either ECD- or CBD-CdS film electrodes, especially after annealing.
Inter-particle connection and uniformity of the ECD/CBD-CdS film were further
enhanced by annealing. Consequently, the electrode PEC conversion efficiency and
stability were enhanced. The combined preparation technique, followed by annealing,
is potentially useful for future manufacturing of CdS and other film electrode systems.