Carrier Dynamics in Solution-Processed CuI as a P-Type Semiconductor: The Origin of Negative Photoconductivity

Abstract

There is an urgent need for efficient solutionprocessable p-type semiconductors. Copper(I) iodide (CuI) has attracted attention as a potential candidate due to its good electrical properties and ease of preparation. However, its carrier dynamics still need to be better understood. Carrier dynamics after bandgap excitation yielded a convoluted signal of free carriers (positive signal) and a negative feature, which was also present when the material was excited with sub-bandgap excitation energies. This previously unseen feature was found to be dependent on measurement temperature and attributed to negative photoconductivity. The unexpected signal relates to the formation of polarons or strongly bound excitons. The possibility of coupling CuI to plasmonic sensitizers is also tested, yielding positive results. The outcomes mentioned above could have profound implications regarding the applicability of CuI in photocatalytic and photovoltaic systems and could also open a whole new range of possible applications.

Enhanced Conversion Efficiency in MAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells through Parameters Optimization via SCAPS-1D Simulation

“…This property facilitates the efficient transfer of holes from the anode to the organic layer in organic-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Copper Iodide (CuI) is another p-type inorganic semiconductor material known for its distinctive properties that make it suitable for a range of electronic and optoelectronic applications [36]. CuI has a direct bandgap that is typically reported to be around 3.1 eV, making it transparent to visible light [37].…”

Plasmonic Fabry-Pérot Nanocavities Produced via Solution Methods

“…Plasmonic materials have received considerable attention as a novel light-driven system for optoelectronics [1][2][3][4][5], photovoltaics [4,6,7], photocatalysis [8][9][10][11][12][13] and others [1,14]. However, a single layer of plasmonic nanoparticles with uniform morphology cannot efficiently harvest polychromatic light, such as sunlight, despite their large optical cross-sections [15][16][17].…”

Plasmonic Fabry–Pérot nanocavities produced via solution methods

“…Plasmonic materials have received considerable attention as a novel light-driven system for optoelectronics, [1][2][3][4][5] photovoltaics, 4,6,7 photocatalysis [8][9][10][11][12] and others. 1,13 Plasmonic nanoparticles absorb light through a unique photophysical process called localised surface plasmon resonance (LSPR).…”