Nanonet: Low-temperature-processed tellurium nanowire network for scalable p-type field-effect transistors and a highly sensitive phototransistor array

Abstract

Low-temperature-processed semiconductors are an emerging need for next-generation scalable electronics, and these semiconductors need to feature large-area fabrication, solution processability, high electrical performance, and wide spectral optical absorption properties. Although various strategies of low-temperature-processed n-type semiconductors have been achieved, the development of high-performance p-type semiconductors at low temperature is still limited. Here, we report a unique low-temperature-processed method to synthesize tellurium nanowire networks (Te-nanonets) over a scalable area for the fabrication of high-performance large-area p-type field-effect transistors (FETs) with uniform and stable electrical and optical properties. Maximum mobility of 4.7 cm2/Vs, an on/off current ratio of 1 × 104, and a maximum transconductance of 2.18 µS are achieved. To further demonstrate the applicability of the proposed semiconductor, the electrical performance of a Te-nanonet-based transistor array of 42 devices is also measured, revealing stable and uniform results. Finally, to broaden the applicability of p-type Te-nanonet-based FETs, optical measurements are demonstrated over a wide spectral range, revealing an exceptionally uniform optical performance.