Vertical SnSe nanorod arrays: from controlled synthesis and growth mechanism to thermistor and photoresistor

Abstract

We demonstrate that high-quality vertically aligned SnSe nanorod (NR) arrays have been synthesized via a facile chemical vapor deposition method on SiO2 substrates using Bi powder as catalysts. Both SEM and TEM measurements reveal that this kind of SnSe NR consists of a one-dimensional core and dense two-dimensional branches. Thermistors and photoresistors have been fabricated in situ by directly depositing silver paint on the growth substrates. The thermistor shows the great merits of a broad temperature range (77−390 K), linear input–output characteristic, suitable thermal index and high sensitivity. The photoresistor device exhibits relatively fast response time, linear input–output, high reversibility and stability. In addition, both of the devices have the advantages of low cost, environment-friendliness and easy fabrication. The high performance of SnSe thermistors and photodetectors will make SnSe material promising in industrial multi-function nanodevices.