Highly Flexible and Low-Cost ZnO-Based UV Photodetector on Paper with Enhanced Performance and Stability
Pooja M. Khanzode, Sohel J. Shaikh, Devidas I. Halge, Mohammed Y. H. Thabit, Asma B. U. Rahman, Vijaykiran N. Narwade, S.S. Dahiwale, Kashinath A. Bogle
Abstract
Flexible photodetectors are essential for advancing next-generation electronic devices, especially in areas in which traditional rigid photodetectors are inadequate. Herein, we report a very easy to fabricate highly flexible, low-cost UV photodetector based on a ZnO thin film fabricated on Whatman filter paper and pencil-drawn graphite electrodes. The device exhibited optimal properties, demonstrating an enhanced photocurrent under 253 nm UV illuminations at varying intensities. This device achieved a high responsivity of 6.75 A/W, a detectivity of 4.6 × 10 12 Jones, a sensitivity of 7.2 × 10 3, and a rapid response time of 13 ms at 30 V. The flexibility of the device up to 40° angle, maintaining its UV detection capabilities (a responsivity of 5.6 A/W, a detectivity of 2.4 × 10 12 Jones, a sensitivity of 5.5 × 10 3, and a rapid response time of ∼ 13 ms) even after enduring bending cycles, is a key advantage of it. These results indicate promising stability and flexibility for advanced UV photodetection applications by offering a viable alternative to devices fabricated using more complex and expensive techniques.