Graphene–like tungsten sulphide nanosheets prepared by hydrothermal intercalation/exfoliation route and its application for photodetector

Abstract

Herein, yields of graphene-like two-dimensional (2 D) tungsten sulphide (WS2) nanosheets was fabricated by a feasible hydrothermal intercalation exfoliation route. It was also characterised by X-Ray Diffraction, Raman spectrum and scanning electron microscope to verify the yield and quality of as-prepared WS2 nanosheets. In addition, the prepared 2 D WS2 nanosheets was used for photoelectrochemical (PEC) type photodetector to explore its photoresponse properties. The results of the PEC tests indicate the prepared WS2 nanosheets possess preferable photoresponse activity that the photocurrent density can reach to 3 μA cm−2 at the bias of 0.5 V. The stability measurements demonstrate it has remarkable work stability with no obvious photocurrent decreasing after 40 cycles. Besides that, the as-prepared WS2 nanosheets demonstrate good self-powered ability in the PEC system, it can work under the bias of 0 V without external power source and exhibited excellent photoresponsivity about 3.75 μA W−1. The high photoresponse properties and prominent self-powered ability of PEC-type photodetector based on WS2 nanosheets, which can be attributed to the excellent photoelectric conversion capability of the prepared high quality 2 D WS2 nanosheets as well as the unique solid liquid contact mechanism of PEC-type photodetector. With the advance of stable ability and extraordinary photoresponse performance, which make it more promising in practical application.