The Effect of Deposition Time on the Properties of Cu2O Nanocubes Using an Electrochemical Deposition Method

In this investigation, the impact of electrodeposition time on the photoelectrochemical characteristics of a cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanocube semiconductor photoelectrode is investigated. The Cu2O nanocube photoelectrode was synthesized electrochemically, utilizing underpotential deposition (UPD). Numerous techniques, including x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) and chronoamperometry (CA), were utilized for characterization of the Cu2O nanocube photoelectrode. A highly crystalline structure of Cu2O nanocubes deposited on an indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate can be seen in the XRD results. SEM images revealed a cubic-shaped structure of Cu2O. However, EDX analysis and the optical bandgap confirmed the presence of uniform single-phase Cu2O nanocubes. Astonishingly, the Cu2O nanocube photoelectrode electrodeposited for 15 min possesses the highest photocurrent among all investigated films. Also, the Cu2O nanocubes displayed stable photocathodic performance as a result of the p-type nature. Moreover, the Cu2O nanocube photoelectrode is suggested to be a good candidate for progressive photoelectrochemical detection. Furthermore, it can be utilized for the expanded field of photoelectrochemical water splitting in addition to other solar photovoltaic devices.