High-performance broad-spectrum self-powering photoelectrochemical photodetectors based on MnPSe3 nanosheets

Abstract

Transition metal phosphorus trichalcogenides (MPX3), as a group of layered van der Waals materials with wide tunable bandgaps, high carrier mobility and good light absorption, are potential candidates for the preparation of high-performance broad-spectrum photoelectrochemical photodetectors (PEC PDs). MnPSe3, a p-type semiconducting material in the MPX3 family, was exfoliated into nanosheets using liquid-phase exfoliation, and then applied in the PEC PDs. The MnPSe3-based PEC PDs were thoroughly investigated in a three-electrode system and demonstrated self-powered photoelectric performance across a broad spectral range of 400-800nm. Specifically, under 400nm illumination, the photodetector showed the optimal performance with a photocurrent density of 9.72 μA/cm2, responsivity of 85.55 μA/W, response times of 10/15 ms and fine cyclic stability under the biased condition. In addition, effects of different stripping agents, bias voltages, wavelengths and optical powers on the device performance were compared. These findings suggest that MnPSe3 is a highly promising material in applications of high-performance self-powered PEC PDs.