Nanocrystalline p-type-cuprous oxide thin films by room temperature chemical bath deposition method

Nanocrystalline cuprous oxide (Cu2O) thin films were synthesized on amorphous glass substrate by using simple room temperature chemical route namely, chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. The deposition kinetics played important role to get good quality nanocrystalline films with uniform thickness. The structural, surface morphological, optical and electrical properties of the films were investigated. Crystallization and growth processes obtained micro-spherical shaped grains of Cu2O due to agglomeration of smaller nanoparticles. An optical and electrical characterization was performed to study the optical band gap and type of electrical conductivity of the film.

► Attempt to use simple and low cost chemical method to synthesize p-Cu2O films on the glass substrates.
► Room temperature deposition conditions were used with non toxic precursors.
► The films were nanocrystalline with p-type electrical conductivity.