Optical and photoelectrochemical performance study based on n-ZnO nanorod arrays/p-CuAlO2 laminar films/Ni heterojunction

•ZnO nanorods arrays on CuAlO2 films on Ni substrates have been synthesized.•A favorable forward to reverse current ratio were observed.•The highest photocurrent of 0.67 mA/cm2 was obtained under AM 1.5 illumination.

A novel ZnO nanorod arrays (NRs)/CuAlO2 laminar films heterojunction nanostructure was grown on the substrate of Ni plates using sol–gel synthesis for laminar films and subsequent hydrothermal reaction for nanorod arrays. The surface morphology, structure, optical and photoelectrochemical behaviors of this heterojunction were considered. Two significant absorption peaks of UV–vis spectra and a favorable forward current to reverse current ratio at applied voltage of −0.7 V to +2 V were observed in this heterojunction. Furthermore, the photoelectrochemical property was indicated that the highest photocurrent of 0.67 mA/cm2 was obtained under AM 1.5 illumination (vs Ag/AgCl). This heterojunction will play an important role in the optoelectronic fields and can be extended to other binary or ternary oxide compositions for optoelectronic applications.