Structure and photovoltaic activity of cupric oxide-based thin film solar cells

Abstract

Cupric oxide (CuO) thin films were prepared and their microstructures and photovoltaic properties were investigated. Thin film devices based on the CuO/C₆₀ heterojunction structure were fabricated on F-doped SnO₂ by spin-coating, and displayed photovoltaic activity under AM1.5 simulated sunlight conditions. The CuO thin film microstructure was examined using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, which indicated the presence of CuO nanoparticles of size 10–30 nm. The energy levels for the solar cell and its constituent components were also discussed.