Augmenting the band gap of iron diselenide pyrite via ruthenium alloy integration

The study aimed to enhance the properties of thin $$ films by incorporating ruthenium through spray pyrolysis. Films were deposited on pre-heated glass substrates and subjected to controlled heating in a selenium-rich environment. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the presence of $$ 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.