We have explored the possibility of preparing nanostructured (CdHg)S films using electrodeposition techniques. For this purpose cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), a cationic surfactant was used to stabilize colloidal (CdHg)S dispersions of variable composition. An attempt has also been made to estimate the size of the colloidal (CdHg)S particles using optical density and refractive index measurements. Photopotential and photoaction spectral studies showed significant improvement in the photoexcitability of the electrodeposits. These preparations were also found to exhibit substantially improved resistance toward electrochemical corrosion. (c) 2006 The Electrochemical Society.