Oxide nanowire arrays for hybrid solar cells

Abstract

Metal oxide nanostructures have garnered a lot of attention for use in hybrid solar cells. We report on the synthesis of ultra-thin nanoporous anodic alumina templates on indium tin oxide (ITO)/glass substrates. These templates have been used to electrochemically deposit free-standing arrays of Cu2O (p-type) and ZnO (n-type) nanowires over device-suitable areas (cm2). The nanostructures provide a large surface area for photovoltaic charge separation, while maintaining direct pathways for charge transport.