New approach for generating Cu2O/TiO2 composite films for solar cell applications

In this paper, Cu2O was studied as a photon absorber for solar cell applications. Cu2O was deposited on a TiO2 film using the electrochemical deposition (ECD) method. Based on the physical appearance of the samples, the particles of Cu2O seemed to penetrate the TiO2 film and were primarily deposited near the TiO2/substrate interface rather than on the TiO2 film surface. This method could be one way to generate a p-n bulk-heterojunction interface. The film was confirmed to be a Cu2O/TiO2 composite via X-ray diffraction measurements. The top electrode was formed by evaporating indium for I-V characterization, and the fabricated cell showed photovoltaic properties. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.