Solid state solar cell made from n-Cu₂O with coir activated carbon (AC) as upper - electrode

Coir is a natural vegetable fibre obtained from the coconut tree. In this research, alkaline-bio scoured bristle coir fibre powder was subjected to alkaline activation by using Potassium Hydroxide (0.1 M). The coir carbon powder was fed into a tube furnace with a constant heating rate of 20oC min^–1 until the temperature reached a range of temperatures between 380°C to 450°C. At a selected temperature between 380°C to 450°C the samples were kept inside the tube furnace for 15min in a nitrogen flow. Subsequently they were cooled to room temperature and the iodine number was determined. The copper plate was fabricated by using a thin film of Cu₂O which is formed by boiling (5×10^–3M) solution of copper sulphate. After that Cu/Cu₂O/AC/ITO solid state photovoltaic cell was made with coir AC as the upper electrode. Formed junction at n-Cu₂O/AC interface is believed to be supported toseparatephoto generated charge carriers, in the solid state photovoltaic device. Absorption spectra, XRD measurements, SEM micrographs and photocurrent action spectra were presented in this study.