Photoelectrochemical kinetics on a copper electrode

The relaxation kinetics of the photoeffect on a Cu electrode coated with oxide film in an alkaline solution have been studied using N-2 laser pulse excitation (tau(i) = 15 ns, P-i = 10(4) W cm(-2)). Two relaxation regions corresponding to the negative and positive photovoltage (Delta E) values have been found. The negative Delta E relaxation region is attributed to the effect of photogenerated majority charge carrier (hole) capture to surface OH- groups bound in the film as the Cu(OH); complex. The positive relaxation region is attributed to the effect at the Cu2O/electrolyte interface involving minority carriers (electrons).