Review in optoelectronic properties of p-type CuCrO2 transparent conductive films

This work aims to give readers a comprehensive understanding of the optoelectronic properties of the CuCrO2 delafossite oxide. CuCrO2 is a transparent conductive thin film material with excellent intrinsic p-type conductivity. Lots of excellent properties of CuCrO2 have been investigated extensively, such as its photocatalytic properties, thermoelectric properties and ferromagnetic properties, etc. This work generally introduces the various properties and applications of CuCrO2. With introducing its lattice diagram and XRD spectrum, the crystal structure of CuCrO2 is discussed in detail, which shows that the 3R-CuCrO2 is more stable than 2H-CuCrO2. After comparison the optoelectronic properties between CuCrO2 and other delafossite oxides, we conclude that CuCrO2 possesses best optoelectronic performance among those delafossite materials. Then the current work summarizes the advantages of CuCrO2 employed in optoelectronic devices. Furthermore, the band structure of CuCrO2 calculated by PBE, PBE+U and HSE functionals are discussed in detail. The p-type conductivity of CuCrO2 is analyzed and explained through the spin density function image, which indicates that the holes are deduced from the copper vacancies, interstitial oxygen, and other extrinsic acceptor defects. Finally, the recent progress on the intrinsic CuCrO2 and Mg/Ni doping CuCrO2 are discussed, while the possible research directions of CuCrO2 in the near future are also prospected.

Automated summary

This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the optoelectronic properties of CuCrO2, discussing its crystal structure, XRD spectrum, and advantages in optoelectronic devices. The study concludes that CuCrO2 exhibits best optoelectronic performance among delafossite materials and discusses band structure calculations and p-type conductivity analysis. Additionally, it highlights recent progress on intrinsic CuCrO2 and Mg/Ni doping CuCrO2, as well as prospects for future research directions.