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Water Adsorption Enhances Electrical Conductivity in Transparent P-Type CuI
Andrea Crovetto1, Hannes Hempel1, Marin Rusu1
1Department of Structure and Dynamics of Energy Materials, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie, Hahn-Meitner Platz 1, 14109 Berlin, Germany.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|October 16, 2020
Summary
Exposure to humidity significantly boosts copper iodide (CuI) conductivity and lowers its work function, with potential benefits for hole mobility. This effect is partially reversible and humidity-dependent.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Solid State Physics
- Semiconductor Research
Background:
- Copper iodide (CuI) is a rediscovered p-type transparent conductor with a high figure of merit.
- Many metal iodides are hygroscopic, but the impact of moisture on CuI's electrical properties remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of ambient humidity on the electrical properties of copper iodide (CuI).
- To clarify the influence of moisture on CuI conductivity and work function.
- To understand the mechanisms behind observed changes in electrical properties.
Main Methods:
- Exposure of CuI samples to ambient humidity for controlled durations.
- Measurement of electrical conductivity and work function.
- THz spectroscopy to assess intragrain mobility.
Main Results:
- A two-fold increase in CuI conductivity was observed after 5 hours of humidity exposure.
- Work function decreased by approximately 1 eV, explaining previous data variations.
- Conductivity increase is partially reversible and optimal at intermediate humidity levels.
Conclusions:
- Ambient humidity significantly impacts CuI's electrical properties, enhancing conductivity and reducing work function.
- Hydration of grain boundaries is proposed as a mechanism beneficial for hole mobility.
- Findings provide insights into optimizing CuI for transparent conductor applications.
