Epitaxial 2D PbS Nanoplates Arrays with Highly Efficient Infrared Response

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Optoelectronics

Background:

• Two-dimensional (2D) nonlayered semiconductors are of significant interest due to their unique planar structures.
• These materials exhibit diverse and intriguing optoelectronic properties.
• Developing methods for controlled synthesis of high-quality 2D materials is crucial for device applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a method for fabricating orientation-controlled, single-crystalline lead sulfide (PbS) nanoplates arrays.
• To investigate the optoelectronic properties of individual PbS nanoplates.
• To assess the performance of PbS nanoplate-based photodetector devices.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a novel method to grow single-crystalline PbS nanoplates arrays on mica substrates.
• Fabricated individual PbS nanoplate devices for characterization.
• Measured key performance metrics including photoresponsivity, detectivity, and photogain.

Main Results:

• Successfully designed and synthesized orientation-controlled, well-defined single-crystalline PbS nanoplates arrays.
• Demonstrated high photoresponsivity of 1621 A W^-1.
• Achieved high detectivity (1.72 × 10¹¹ Jones) and photogain (2512) in single PbS nanoplate devices.

Conclusions:

• The developed method enables precise control over the orientation and quality of PbS nanoplates.
• Individual PbS nanoplates exhibit excellent optoelectronic performance, suitable for high-performance photodetectors.
• This work highlights the potential of 2D nonlayered semiconductors like PbS for advanced optoelectronic applications.