An Investigation Of Photovoltaic Devices Based Onp-Typecu(2)Oandn-Type Gamma-Wo(3)Junction Through An Electrolyte Solution Containing A Redox Pair

In this article, we report a solar cell prepared withp-type cuprous oxide (Cu2O) andn-type gamma-tungsten oxide (gamma-WO3) films combined by an redox electrolyte in a configuration similar to that used in dye-sensitized solar cells. Cu2O films were prepared by the electrochemical method in three different pH conditions. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the Cu2O films presented a crystalline phase with cubic structure after deposition, whereas then-type gamma-WO(3)film was prepared by the drop-casting method. Optical analyses showed that both oxide films absorb visible light. After the photoelectrochemical characterization of the films, solar cells configured like a "sandwich" (Cu2O/electrolyte/gamma-WO3) were assembled and investigated under irradiation of 100 mW cm(-2). The solar cell with I-/I3-redox pair showed better results than that prepared with polysulfide K2S/Sn2-electrolyte. For each solar cell, the investigated parameters were short-circuit current density, open-circuit voltage, fill factor, maximum power, and cell efficiency. The method proposed here can be considered new, promising, and simple for the preparation of solar cells with ap-njunction.