Structures and photovoltaic properties of copper oxides/fullerene solar cells

Copper oxide (CuOx) thin films were produced by spin-coating and electrodeposition methods, and their microstructures and photovoltaic properties were investigated. Thin film solar cells based on the Cu2O/C60 and CuO/C60 heterojunction or bulk heterojunction structures were fabricated on F-doped or In-doped SnO2, which showed photovoltaic activity under air mass 1.5 simulated sunlight conditions. Microstructures of the CuOx thin films were examined by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, which indicated the presence of Cu2O and CuO nanoparticles. The energy levels of the present solar cells were also discussed.

► Copper oxide films were fabricated by spin-coating and electrodeposition methods.
► Cu2O/C60 and CuO/C60 solar cells were fabricated and characterized.
► Microstructures of CuOx thin films were examined by XRD and TEM.
► Energy levels and carrier transport of CuOx/C60 solar cells were discussed.