A novel single step synthesis, high efficiency and cost effective photovoltaic applications of oxidized copper nano particles

Economically viable copper oxide nano particles were prepared via a novel simplistic synthesis method using oleic acid as a solvent, surfactant and capping agent with varying reaction temperature (200 °C, 300 °C and 400 °C) by solvothermal technique to develop a high efficiency solar cell. The influence of calcined temperature on crystalline size, purity, morphology, structural phase transition and stoichiometric formation of copper oxide powders were investigated by using powder X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The band gaps were calculated by optical studies. The luminescence spectra exhibit band to band transition of copper oxide nano particles. From TGA profile the mass reduction was occurred below 300 °C. The growth mechanism of Copper oxide nano particles from copper chloride dihydrate with oleic acid (OA) investigated. The maximum overall conversion efficiency of 0.863% has been achieved from I to V characteristic study in favor of copper oxide nano particles calcined at 400 °C.

► CuO nano particles were synthesized from a novel single step solvothermal method.
► The structural phase transition analysed by using XRD spectra.
► The growth mechanism of CuO from oleic acid was explained in detail.
► In device application, we have achieved high efficiency for the solar cell made up of CuO at 400 °C.