Electrodeposited nano-crystalline cuprous oxide thin films for solar energy applications

Abstract

Cuprous oxide thin films were electrodeposited in a cupric acetate bath and resulting films were investigated in a photo-electrochemical cell to determine the intrinsic defects density variations. It was observed that by controlling the pH value of the deposition bath, density of both Cu and O vacancies which are responsible for acceptor and donor levels respectively, can be controlled and thereby it is possible to electrodeposit either n-type or p-type cuprous oxide thin films. The study reveals that not only the pH value but also the cupric ion concentration of the acetate bath determines the nature of conductivity of the films. Structural and morphological studies revealed that nano-crystalline films of size, 100 nm, can be electrodeposited by controlling the deposition parameters. These films will be very useful in applications of solar energy converting devices.