Self-powered UV photosensor based on PEDOT:PSS/ZnO micro/nanowire with strain-modulated photoresponse

Developing tailored micro/nanostructure interfaces is an effective way to make novel optoelectronic devices or enhance their performances. Here we report the fabrication of a PEDOT:PSS/ZnO micro/nanowire-based self-powered UV photosensor. The generation of photocurrent at zero bias is attributed to the separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs within the built-in electric field at the PEDOT:PSS/ZnO interface upon UV light illumination. Furthermore, the piezotronic effect on the UV photoresponsivity under different strains is investigated, which is due to the modification of energy band diagram at the p-n heterojunction by strain-induced piezoelectric polarization. This study demonstrates a prospective approach to engineering the performance of a photodetector through straining and may offer theoretical supporting in future optoelectronic device fabrication and modification.