Electrochemical synthesis of transparent nanocrystalline Cu2O films using a reverse potential waveform

• Published in: Thin solid films 2014-01, Vol.550, p.17-21
• Main Authors: Hu, F., Chan, K.C., Yue, T.M., Surya, C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: ANODES; Anodic; CATHODES; Cathodic dissolution; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Copper; COPPER OXIDE; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; CRYSTAL STRUCTURE; CUPROUS OXIDE; DEPOSITION; DISSOLUTION; Electrodeposition; Electrodeposition, electroplating; Exact sciences and technology; Materials science; Methods of deposition of films and coatings; film growth and epitaxy; Methods of nanofabrication; MICA; Nanocrystals; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Other topics in nanoscale materials and structures; Physics; Reverse potential waveform; Structure and morphology; thickness; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties); Thin film structure and morphology; THIN FILMS; Waveforms
• ISSN: 0040-6090; 1879-2731
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tsf.2013.10.008

A transparent nanocrystalline Cu2O thin film has been synthesized by electrodeposition using a reverse potential waveform with a cathodic peak potential of −1200mV, an anodic dissolution peak potential of +800mV and a cycle time of 80s. For each cycle, Cu2O particles are firstly deposited on the substrate, followed by the deposition of Cu particles. When the current changes from cathodic to anodic, the deposited Cu particles will be dissolved. With repeated cyclic deposition and dissolution, a Cu2O thin film with nanocrystallized structure is obtained, and it exhibits a blueshift of optical bandgap to 2.87eV. •A reverse potential waveform was used to synthesize Cu2O thin films.•The obtained Cu2O thin film exhibits a nanocrystallized structure.•A significant blueshift is observed, resulting in yellow color of the Cu2O thin film.