Improved efficiency of electrodeposited p-CuO/n-Cu₂O heterojunction solar cell

Abstract

We report electrodeposition of n-type cuprous oxide (Cu2O) films on p-type CuO films electrodeposited on Ti substrates for forming p-CuO/n-Cu2O heterostructures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the films had good structural quality, with substrates being well-covered by the films. The p-CuO/n-Cu2O heterojunctions exhibited good photovoltaic properties and diode characteristics. The surfaces of Cu2O films subject to ammonium sulfide treatment exhibited enhanced photocurrents. Under AM 1.5 illumniation, the obtained sulfur-treated and annealed Ti/p-CuO/n-Cu2O/Au solar cell structure yielded energy conversion efficiency of 0.64%, with Voc = 220 mV and Jsc = 6.8 mA cm−2.