Sb₂Se₃microwires/ZnO nanoparticles heterojunction for high performances self-powered photodetector

Self-powered photodetectors play a crucial role in technology, garnering attention for their diverse applications. However, most current models face challenges such as reliance on external power, complex fabrication, and inconvenient usability. Sb₂Se₃presents a promising solution for p-type semiconductors in photovoltaic cells, owing to ideal bandgap and excellent light absorption. In this study, Sb₂Se₃microwires (MWs) synthesized by hydrothermal method was modified with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NP) to create the Sb₂Se₃-MW/ZnO NP heterostructure, designed to build a highly efficient photodetector featuring interdigitated electrodes. The Sb₂Se₃-MW/ZnO NP device exhibits self-powered characteristics and strong photoresponse from 350 to 1000 nm, achieving a photoresponsivity of 120 mA W^-1at 368 nm (1.21 mW cm^-2), an on/off ratio of 257, and a peak detection rate of 8.93 × 10¹¹Jones. This innovative heterostructure significantly broadens the light response range, proving that the Sb₂Se₃-MW/ZnO-NP heterojunction is a major step toward high-performance, self-powered optoelectronic devices.