Facile synthesis of Cu(2)O nanorods in the presence of NaCl by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method and its characterizations

Cuprous oxide (Cu(2)O) nanorods have been deposited on soda-lime glass substrates by the modified successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction technique by varying the concentration of NaCl electrolyte into the precursor complex solution. The structural, electrical and optical properties of synthesized Cu(2)O nanorod films have been studied by a variety of characterization tools. Structural analyses by X-ray diffraction confirmed the polycrystalline Cu(2)O phase with (111) preferential growth. Raman scattering spectroscopic measurements conducted at room temperature also showed characteristic peaks of the pure Cu(2)O phase. The surface resistivity of the Cu(2)O nanorod films decreased from 15 142 to 685 Ω.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 Cu(2)O nanorod films was observed as 1.88–2.36 eV, while the temperature-dependent activation energies of the Cu(2)O films were measured as about 0.14–0.21 eV. Scanning electron microscope morphologies demonstrated Cu(2)O nanorods as well as closely packed spherical grains with the alteration of NaCl concentration. The Cu(2)O phase of nanorods was found stable up to 230°C 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 as comparatively uniform nanorod morphology. Our studies demonstrate that the nominal presence of NaCl electrolytes in the precursor solutions has a significant impact on the physical properties of Cu(2)O nanorod films which could be beneficial in optoelectronic research.