Robust Photodetectable Paper from Chemically Exfoliated MoS₂-MoO₃ Multilayers

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Optoelectronics

Background:

• Photodetectors are crucial for various applications, including security and healthcare.
• Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a 2D material, offers promising optoelectronic properties but faces challenges in processing and device fabrication.
• Enhancing photodetector performance and simplifying fabrication are key research goals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a high-performance, solution-processed photodetector using molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and molybdenum trioxide (MoO3).
• To investigate the photodetector's response to different light wavelengths.
• To demonstrate a simple and scalable fabrication route for MoS2-based photodetectors.

Main Methods:

• Chemical exfoliation of MoS2 powder.
• Deposition onto a cellulose ester membrane.
• Inkjet printing of PEDOT:PSS electrodes.
• Testing device performance under various light wavelengths (purple, green, red).

Main Results:

• A photodetector based on a mixture of double-phased MoS2 (1T and 2H) and MoO3 was successfully fabricated.
• The device exhibited the highest internal quantum efficiency (0.063%) and responsivity (0.134 mA W-1) under purple light (405 nm).
• Achieved responsivity significantly surpasses other solution-derived MoS2 photodetectors, attributed to enhanced photoelectron generation and efficient charge transport.

Conclusions:

• A straightforward exfoliation/filtration and inkjet printing route enables the fabrication of high-performance MoS2-based photodetectors.
• The MoS2/MoO3 composite material enhances photoelectron generation and charge transport, leading to superior photodetection.
• The study highlights the potential of this simple fabrication approach for advanced photodetector applications.