Photovoltaic response of a topotaxially formed CdS?CuxS single nanorod heterojunction

In the present study, a combination of a hydrothermal route and a topotaxial conversion reaction has been used to grow a cadmium sulfide?copper sulfide (CdS?CuxS) single nanorod heterojunction. The J?V characteristics of the CdS nanorods show Shockley behaviour consistent with the energy band diagram of the platinum conducting atomic force microscope (CAFM) probe?CdS nanorod combination. The photovoltaic response measured on the CdS?CuxS nanorods using a CAFM probe shows the formation of a heterojunction with an open circuit voltage of 320?mV, a short circuit current density of 5.5?mA?cm ? 2 and a crossover of dark and light J?V curves related to the photoconductivity of the interfacial CdS layer. The lengthwise heterojunction fabricated in the present study has many potential advantages in comparison to other single nanorod junctions.