Binary copper oxides as photovoltaic absorbers: recent progress in materials and applications

Binary copper oxides are a promising class of p-type semiconductors for solar energy conversion applications due to their particular electrical and optical properties, elemental abundance, and non-toxicity. So far, three phases with different copper ion oxidation states, including cuprous Cu2O, paramelaconite Cu4O3, and cupric CuO, have already been successfully synthesized by thin-film deposition techniques. This work reviews recent progress in determining the physical properties of these three phases from the viewpoints of both experimental and theoretical calculations, including their thermodynamics, structure, microstructure, band structure, defects, and their optical and electrical properties. In particular, we discuss some undecided issues regarding the properties of these materials. In addition, we summarize recent advances in photovoltaic cells using copper oxides as absorbers, including correlations between device performance and material properties.

Automated summary

Binary copper oxides are promising p-type semiconductors for solar energy conversion due to their unique electrical and optical properties, elemental abundance, and non-toxicity. Three phases with different copper ion oxidation states have been successfully synthesized via thin-film deposition techniques, and recent progress in determining their physical properties through experimental and theoretical calculations has been reviewed. Recent advances in photovoltaic cells using copper oxides as absorbers and correlations between device performance and material properties have also been summarized.