High performance self-powered UV photodetection by ZnO/Cu3N core-shell nanorod heterostructures via p-n junction formation

Abstract

Self-powered ultraviolet photodetectors (UVPDs) have a wide range of contributions in distributing the wireless sensor networks and internet of things (IoT) systems, helping in energy conservation as it requires no external power source. This study proposes a new p-n junction hybrid structure based on a p-type Cu3N (shell layer) over n-type ZnO NR (core) arrays. The ZnO/Cu3N core-shell heterostructures based self-powered UV photodetector fabricated by depositing the p-type Cu3N layer using high power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) over vertically aligned n-type ZnO NR arrays grown by the hydrothermal method. The ZnO/Cu3N core-shell UV photodetector offers enhanced photocurrent (∼1 mA) and excellent photosensitivity of 2.5 × 105% at − 5 V. While the UVPD is in a self-powered state, it shows an outstanding performance by exhibiting an impressive photocurrent and Ion/Ioff ratio of ∼0.06 μA and 500, respectively. The device demonstrates fast photo response and recovery time. Furthermore, the device outshines because of significant repeatability for around 75 days. As a proof-of-concept, these ZnO/Cu3N based results can promote the fabrication next generation self-powered UV photodetectors.