A Simple Two-Step Electrodeposition of Cu₂O/ZnO Nanopillar Solar Cells

Abstract

Nanopillar heterojunctions composed of n-type ZnO nanowire arrays embedded in p-type Cu2O thin films were fabricated by using a simple two-step electrodeposition method. Structural, optical, and electrical properties of the nanopillar junctions were investigated. Nanopillar radial junction arrays have the potential for improved performance in solar cells due to increased junction area and improved charge carrier collection. Improved efficiency in the Cu2O/ZnO nanopillar junctions was experimentally observed compared to planar thin film junctions prepared under similar conditions. This study demonstrates that electrodeposition, which is easily adapted to other chemical systems, is a promising technique for large-scale fabrication of low-cost nanopillar solar cells.