Copper oxide could be a candidate for tomorrow’s solar cells

In theory, copper oxide (Cu2O) offers yields as high as crystalline silicon, plus it is non-toxic and relatively abundant. So why isn’t it used to make solar cells?
Currently, the best yields obtained on the material are still far from what is theoretically possible. Plus, these yields have been observed only under vacuum or high temperatures.
Researchers at LMGP found a solution using spatial atomic layer deposition (SALD).
They were able to obtain thin films (in the tens of nanometers) at 260 °C. The films offer excellent electron transport and minimal defects and are as efficient as layers ten times thicker.
A new project backed by France’s National Research Agency (ANR) will support further investigation of this promising solution.

Contact: david.munoz-rojas@grenoble-inp.fr

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