Copper(I) thiocyanate is a hole conductor, a semiconductor with a wide band gap (3.6 eV, therefore transparent to visible and near infrared light). It is used in photovoltaics in some third-generation cells as a hole transfer layer. It acts as a P-type semiconductor and as a solid-state electrolyte. It is often used in dye-sensitized solar cells. Its hole conductivity is however relatively poor (0.01 S·m). This can be improved by various treatments, e.g. exposure to gaseous chlorine or doping with (SCN).
CuSCN with NiO act synergically as a smoke suppressant additive in polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
CuSCN precipitated on carbon support can be used for conversion of aryl halides to aryl thiocyanates.
Copper thiocyanate is used in some anti-fouling paints. Advantages compared to cuprous oxide include that the compound is white and a more efficient biocide.