STABILIZATION OF THE n-CuInSe//2/POLYIODIDE SYSTEM THROUGH RATIONAL SOLUTION AND SURFACE MODIFICATIONS.

In order to stabilize this system, the electrochemical decomposition of CuInSe//2 in acetonitrile was studied. Results from investigations on the photoelectrochemical decomposition of CuInSe//2 and its binary components, Cu//2Se and In//2Se//3 indicate that breaking of the Cu-Se bond is the primary step in the anodic decomposition. A similar effect was found after electrode deactivation in polyiodide. On the basis of these results, the authors succeeded in stabilizing the title system by a) adding Cu ions or Cu and In ions to the solution and b) by covering the electrode surface with a film of oxidized Indium.