Solution processed membrane-based wearable ZnO/graphene Schottky UV photodetectors with imaging application

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Flexible and wearable electronic devices are gaining significant research interest.
• Low-cost fabrication and mass production compatibility are crucial for practical applications.
• Photodetectors (PDs) are essential components in various electronic systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate low-cost, mass-producible, membrane-based flexible photodetectors (PDs).
• To enhance the performance of PDs through the utilization of a ZnO/graphene Schottky junction.
• To evaluate the flexibility and durability of the fabricated PDs for wearable applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of PDs using a Polyvinylidene Fluoride filter membrane with Ag nanowires (NWs)/ZnO NWs/graphene structure.
• Employing a full-solution method for device fabrication.
• Characterization of device performance, including light-to-dark current ratio and stability under bending.

Main Results:

• Achieved a high light-to-dark current ratio (I_light/I_dark) of approximately 10².
• Demonstrated remarkable flexibility, with PDs functioning steadily under bending conditions.
• Maintained 95% of the maximum photocurrent after 1000 bending cycles, indicating excellent durability.

Conclusions:

• The developed membrane-based flexible PDs offer superior performance compared to existing ZnO-based fiber-shaped PDs.
• The ZnO/graphene Schottky junction effectively enhances photo-generated carrier separation and transport.
• These PDs are suitable for wearable applications and can be integrated into imaging arrays.