Ultraviolet-Visible-Near Infrared Broadband Photodetector Based on Electronspun Disorder ZnO Nanowires/Ge Quantum Dots Hybrid Structure

Ultraviolet-visible-near infrared broadband photodetectors have significant prospects in many fields such as image sensing, communication, chemical sensing, and day and nighttime surveillance. Hybrid one-dimensional (1D) and zero-dimensional (0D) materials are attractive for broadband-responsive photodetectors since its unique charges transfer characteristics and facile fabrication processes. Herein, a Si/ZnO nanowires/Ge quantum dots photodetector has been constructed via processes that combined electrospinning and spin-coating methods. A broadband response behavior from ultraviolet to near-infrared (from 250 to 1550 nm) is observed. The responsivity of the hybrid structure increases around three times from 550 to 1100 nm compared with the pure Si photodetector. Moreover, when the photodetector is illuminated by a light source exceeding 1100 nm, such as 1310 and 1550 nm, there is also a significant photoresponse. Additionally, the ZnO NWs/Ge quantum dots heterostructure is expected to be used in flexible substrates, which benefits from electrospinning and spin-coating processes. The strategy that combines 1D ZnO NWs and 0D solution-processed Ge QDs nanostructures may open a new avenue for flexible and broadband photodetector.