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Facile synthesis of Cu2O nanorods in the presence of NaCl by SILAR method and its characterizations

Cu2O nanorods have been deposited on soda-lime glass (SLG) substrates by the modified SILAR technique by varying the concentration of NaCl electrolyte into the precursor complex solution. The structural, electrical, and optical properties of synthesized Cu2O nanorod films have been studied by a variety of characterization tools. Structural analyses by XRD confirmed the polycrystalline Cu2O phase with (111) preferential growth. Raman scattering spectroscopic measurements conducted at room temperature also showed characteristic peaks of the pure Cu2O phase. The surface resistivity of the Cu2O nanorod films decreased from 15,142 to 685 Ohm.cm with the addition of NaCl from 0 to 4 mmol, and then exhibited an opposite trend with further addition of NaCl. The optical bandgap of the synthesized Cu2O nanorod films was observed as 1.88 - 2.36 eV, while the temperature-dependent activation energies of the Cu2O films were measured as about 0.14 - 0.21 eV. SEM morphologies demonstrated Cu2O nanorod as well as closely packed spherical grains with the alteration of NaCl concentration. The Cu2O phase of nanorods was found stable up to 230 0C corroborating the optical bandgap results of the same. The film fabricated in presence of 4 mmol of NaCl showed the lowest resistivity and activation energy as well comparatively uniform nanorod morphology. Our studies demonstrate that the nominal presence of NaCl electrolytes in the pre-cursor solutions has a significant impact on the physical properties of Cu2O nanorod films which could be beneficial in optoelectronic research.