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

Abstract In this paper, Cu 2 O was studied as a photon absorber for solar cell applications. Cu 2 O was deposited on a TiO 2 film using the electrochemical deposition (ECD) method. Based on the physical appearance of the samples, the particles of Cu 2 O seemed to penetrate the TiO 2 film and were primarily deposited near the TiO 2 /substrate interface rather than on the TiO 2 film surface. This method could be one way to generate a p–n bulk-heterojunction interface. The film was confirmed to be a Cu 2 O/TiO 2 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.