Fabrication of p/n heterojunctions by electrochemical deposition of Cu2O onto TiO2 nanotubes

This work describes the TiO2 nanotubes formation by anodic oxidation under different experimental conditions and the following attempts to optimize the electrochemical deposition of Cu2O within the nanotubular structure. The as-formed Cu2O/TiO2 interface is a p/n junction that could be used in various light-assisted devices. The effect of the F– concentration, the polarization duration and the post-thermal treatment on the TiO2 nanotubes is recalled. Then the electrochemical deposition of cuprous oxide is investigated by cyclic voltammetry and the influence of the pH on the morphology and crystal structure is studied. Finally, potential pulses were applied to optimize the Cu2O film morphology in order to improve the nanotubes covering.