Novel all solution processed heterojunction using p-type cupric oxide and n-type zinc oxide nanowires for solar cell applications

Nanostructured three-dimensional heterojunctional photovoltaic devices were synthesized through combination of hydrothermal synthesis of zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs) and sol–gel derived cupric oxide. The ZnO NWs were prepared by the hydrothermal method at 90 °C, whereas the CuO thin films were synthesized by the sol–gel method. The derived CuO thin films were thoroughly characterized through scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy, UV–vis spectroscopy and electrical measurement. It was found that power conversion efficiency ~0.3% can be obtained through the proposed combination.