Characterization of ZnO-Cu2O crystal films by electrochemical codeposition

• Published in: Journal of solid state electrochemistry 2020-02, Vol.24 (2), p.421-429
• Main Authors: Liau, Leo Chau-Kuang, Kuo, Ping-Wei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytical Chemistry; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Codeposition; Composition; Condensed Matter Physics; Copper; Copper oxides; Crystals; Electrochemistry; Electromagnetic absorption; Energy Storage; Morphology; Original Paper; Physical Chemistry; Precursors; Zinc oxide
• ISSN: 1432-8488; 1433-0768
• DOI: 10.1007/s10008-019-04411-5

Codeposition of mixed ZnO and Cu 2 O (ZnO-Cu 2 O) crystal films using electrochemical deposition (ECD) was investigated. The ZnO-Cu 2 O films were prepared using different ratios of Zn 2+ and Cu 2+ in precursor solutions and at various ECD periods and potential settings. The properties of the ECD films, such as crystal composition, morphology, and light absorption, were analyzed. Results showed that the properties of the fabricated films were affected by the potential setting, metal ion ratio, and deposition period in the ECD process. The potential required to fabricate ZnO film was lowered negatively from − 1 V without Cu 2+ to − 0.4 V with the presence of Cu 2+ in the ECD solution. The presence of Cu 2+ was determined to be the major factor affecting the shape of ZnO particles formed, which varied from rod-like to spherical. The crystal composition of the ECD films involved Cu 2 O and Cu without ZnO using a low ratio of Zn 2+ in the precursor at − 0.4 V. ZnO and Cu 2 O crystals appeared in the film at − 0.4 V with a high ratio of Zn 2+ in the precursor. The composition of ZnO, Cu 2 O, and Cu in the ECD films was the major factor to influence the light absorption patterns of the films. The codeposition steps of ZnO-Cu 2 O films were elucidated from the results.