A visible-light photodetector based on heterojunctions between CuO nanoparticles and ZnO nanorods

• Published in: Beilstein journal of nanotechnology Vol. 14; no. 1; pp. 1018 - 1027
• Main Authors: Giang, Doan Nhat, Nguyen, Nhat Minh, Ngo, Duc Anh, Tran, Thanh Trang, Duy, Le Thai, Tran, Cong Khanh, Tran, Thi Thanh Van, La, Phan Phuong Ha, Dang, Vinh Quang
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frankfurt am Main Beilstein-Institut zur Föerderung der Chemischen Wissenschaften 13-10-2023; Beilstein-Institut
• Subjects: Communications equipment; Communications systems; Copper oxides; cuo nanoparticles; Electron microscopes; Full Research Paper; heterojunction; Heterojunctions; Heterostructures; Medical equipment; Nanomaterials; Nanoparticles; Nanorods; Nanoscience; Nanotechnology; Optoelectronic devices; optoelectronics; P-n junctions; Photometers; Semiconductors; Spectrum analysis; visible-light photodetector; Zinc oxide; zno nanorods
• ISSN: 2190-4286; 2190-4286
• DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.14.84

Optoelectronic devices have various applications in medical equipment, sensors, and communication systems. Photodetectors, which convert light into electrical signals, have gained much attention from many research teams. This study describes a low-cost photodetector based on CuO nanoparticles and ZnO nanorods operating in a wide range of light wavelengths (395, 464, 532, and 640 nm). Particularly, under 395 nm excitation, the heterostructure device exhibits high responsivity, photoconductive gain, detectivity, and sensitivity with maximum values of 1.38 A·W
−1
, 4.33, 2.58 × 10
11
Jones, and 1934.5% at a bias of 2 V, respectively. The sensing mechanism of the p–n heterojunction of CuO/ZnO is also explored. Overall, this study indicates that the heterostructure of CuO nanoparticles and ZnO nanorods obtained via a simple and cost-effective synthesis process has great potential for optoelectronic applications.