Cuprous Oxide Solution Preparation and Application to Cu2O-ZnO Solar Cells

Abstract

Preparation of photoactive cuprous oxide (Cu2O) is achieved via simple solution treatment of copper foils in copper sulfate aqueous solution. XRD indicates that pure Cu2O phase is obtained, and gel electrolyte is used to probe high photocurrent on the film. Zinc oxide layer is deposited via MOCVD or spin coating, and the resulting Cu2O-ZnO heterojunction solar cells are characterized with transparent Au or gallium doped zinc oxide (GZO) top contacts.