Fabrication and Photovoltaic Properties of Cu₂O/ZnO p-n Heterojunction Solar Cells

Abstract

Single-crystal n-type zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod arrays, p-type cuprous oxide (Cu2O) film, and Cu2O/ZnO heterostructures were fabricated by electrochemical deposition. The diameter of ZnO nanorods can be controlled by changing the ZnCl2 concentration as it increases with the concentration of ZnCl2. Electrical measurements demonstrate a p-n junction forms between Cu2O film and ZnO nanorod arrays. External quantum efficiency of the p-n junction is higher than that of ZnO nanorod arrays and Cu2O film, which indicates that the formation of a p-n junction between Cu2O film and ZnO nanorod arrays can efficiently facilitate the separation and transport of charge carriers for applications in solar cells.