Abstract
N-type cuprous oxides (Cu2O) were electrodeposited on Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide (FTO) coated glass substrate in acidic media. We investigated the chrono-potentiometry behavior of the deposited Cu2O films across various current densities. Lower current densities exhibited stable potentials, while higher densities resulted in sharp spikes followed by stabilization. Notably, our study in an acidic medium did not manifest potential oscillations typically observed in alkaline systems. Remarkably, we observed negative potential spikes in the chronopotentiometry curve, particularly at higher current densities exceeding -0.2 mA cm-2, which remains a highlight of our findings. The potential spike indicates the likelihood of a second reaction, the formation of Cu. We argue that the formation of Cu originates from the reduction of Cu2O rather than bulk deposition, primarily due to the change in local pH near the working electrode during the Cu2O deposition process. Continuous stirring of the electrolyte aids in delaying the Cu2O to Cu conversion reaction (Cu2O corrosion), with further influence observed by altering the rotation speed during stirring. Unlike the well-explored galvanostatic deposition of Cu2O in basic media, the behavior of such deposition in acidic media remains largely unexplored. Our study provides insights into the formation of phase-pure n-type Cu2O and obviates the occurrence of the speculated second reaction, Cu2O corrosion. Phase-pure n-type Cu2O enables investigations into defect chemistry governing n-type behavior without metallic Cu complications. It serves as an electron transport layer in photo-conversion devices and allows for homojunction devices with p-type Cu2O. Figure 1
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call