Optical and Electrical Properties of Cu-ZnO Prism Shaped Nanocrystals by Microwave Combustion Method

Abstract

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are a low cost and promising alternative to standard silicon photovoltaic cells; there is growing interest in near-infrared sensitization of semiconductor anode materials, which converts to high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). In this work, the effect of ion implantation and annealing temperature has been studied to provide an effective approach for developing visible-light driven Cu-ZnO anode materials for solar cells. Synthesis of ZnO and Cu doped ZnO nanoparticles via microwave combustion method without using any fuel is proposed. The crystal structure, optical properties, surface morphology and electrical properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) and Keithley Source meter. The results revealed that the change in lattice parameters, decrease in the band gap and absorption peak shifting towards near-infrared region are due to the change in concentration and annealing temperature. The change in crystal defects leads to an abrupt change in bond length, unit volume and lattice strain in the Cu-ZnO crystals. Optical absorbance of copper phthalocyanine pigment (Imperon Blue-15) sensitized Cu-ZnO films were found to be at 600 nm to 700 nm region.