Photosensitive analysis of spin coated Cu doped ZnO thin film synthesized by hydrothermal method

Abstract

In this study, the effects of the incorporation of Cu into the crystal structure of the ZnO semiconductor on its structural and optoelectrical properties were investigated. The hydrothermal method for the synthesis of Cu-ZnO compounds and the spin-coating technique were used to prepare Cu-ZnO thin films. Copper is observed to have a major influence on the physical properties of the ZnO compound by changing the morphology of the nanoparticles, from rod-like ZnO nanoparticles to flower-like nanoparticles. This effect changes and improves the light sensitivity of the ZnO compound, making it suitable for use as a Cu-ZnO thin window layer in thin-film solar cells. All the crystal structure parameters and optoelectrical properties are further enhanced upon incorporation of Cu into the ZnO compound due to the increased surface defects of the zinc oxide which in turn shifts the optical absorption coefficient towards the visible region.