Optimization in the preparation of Solar Cell Materials

The preparation of copper (I) and copper (II) oxides (materials for the production of solar cells) by thermal oxidation technique in laboratory air and at atmospheric pressure is studied. The investigation of the effects of this method at different oxidation temperatures and time on both the physical and electronic properties was done. Current-Voltage characteristics of these structures in the dark and under illumination show that the thinner the amount of copper (I) oxides (Cu2O) deposited on Copper (Cu) the more the amount of copper (II) oxides (CuO) deposited on Cu2O, and the higher the photovoltage generated in the illuminated Cu/Cu2O cells, the lower the photovoltage generated in the Cu2O/CuO cells and vice-versa. The oxidation temperature and time played crucial roles in determining the nature of copper oxides obtained. The best Cu2O solar cells fabricated were produced at9500C, 9700C, 9800C, 10000C and 10500C each for 7, 6,5,4,3 minutes respectively. While the best CuO solar cells were produced at 9500C, 9700C, 9800C, 10000C and 10500C each for 5, 4, 3, 2 minutes respectively. It is observed that samples oxidized above these temperatures and times or below these oxidation te