Few-layer graphene/ZnO nanowires based high performance UV photodetector

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Optoelectronics

Background:

• Zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs) are used in photodetectors.
• Graphene offers high charge carrier mobility.
• Combining graphene with ZnO NWs may enhance photodetector performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the performance of a graphene and zinc oxide nanowires (G/ZnO NWs) based ultraviolet (UV) photodetector.
• To evaluate the impact of graphene on the response and decay times of ZnO NWs photodetectors.
• To determine the relationship between applied bias and the performance of G/ZnO NWs devices.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a G/ZnO NWs based UV photodetector.
• Characterization of the photodetector's responsivity, photocurrent gain, and detectivity.
• Comparison of G/ZnO NWs device performance with ZnO NWs device alone.
• Analysis of response and decay times under UV illumination.
• Investigation of performance under varying applied bias.

Main Results:

• The G/ZnO NWs photodetector demonstrated excellent responsivity, photocurrent gain, and detectivity.
• Graphene integration led to faster response and decay times compared to ZnO NWs alone, attributed to higher charge carrier mobility.
• Both responsivity and photocurrent gain showed a linear increase with applied bias.

Conclusions:

• The G/ZnO NWs device shows significant promise for highly efficient UV photodetector applications.
• Graphene plays a crucial role in enhancing the speed and performance of ZnO NWs based UV photodetectors.
• The linear relationship between bias and performance suggests good controllability for practical applications.