A self-powered UV photodetector based on TiO2 nanorod arrays

• Published in: Nanoscale research letters Vol. 8; no. 1; p. 188
• Main Authors: Xie, Yanru, Wei, Lin, Wei, Guodong, Li, Qinghao, Wang, Dong, Chen, Yanxue, Yan, Shishen, Liu, Guolei, Mei, Liangmo, Jiao, Jun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer New York 23.04.2013; Springer Nature B.V; BioMed Central Ltd; Springer
• Subjects: Chemistry and Materials Science; Materials Science; Molecular Medicine; Nano Express; Nanochemistry; Nanoscale Science and Technology; Nanotechnology; Nanotechnology and Microengineering; Ultraviolet photodetector; TiO; Solid–liquid heterojunction; Nanorod
• ISSN: 1931-7573; 1556-276X; 1556-276X
• DOI: 10.1186/1556-276X-8-188

Large-area vertical rutile TiO 2 nanorod arrays (TNAs) were grown on F/SnO 2 conductive glass using a hydrothermal method at low temperature. A self-powered ultraviolet (UV) photodetector based on TiO 2 nanorod/water solid–liquid heterojunction is designed and fabricated. These nanorods offer an enlarged TiO 2 /water contact area and a direct pathway for electron transport simultaneously. By connecting this UV photodetector to an ammeter, the intensity of UV light can be quantified using the output short-circuit photocurrent without a power source. A photosensitivity of 0.025 A/W and a quick response time were observed. At the same time, a high photosensitivity in a wide range of wavelength was also demonstrated. This TNA/water UV detector can be a particularly suitable candidate for practical applications for its high photosensitivity, fast response, excellent spectral selectivity, uncomplicated low-cost fabrication process, and environment-friendly feature.