Comprehensive Pyro-Phototronic Effect Enhanced Ultraviolet Detector with ZnO/Ag Schottky Junction

As a coupling effect of pyroelectric and photoelectric effect, pyro-phototronic effect has demonstrated an excellent tuning role for fast response p-n junction photodetectors (PDs). Here, a comprehensive pyro-phototronic effect is utilized to design and fabricate a self-powered and flexible ultraviolet PD based on the ZnO/Ag Schottky junction. By using the primary pyroelectric effect, the maximal transient photoresponsivity of the self-powered PDs can reach up to 1.25 mA W-1 for 325 nm illumination, which is improved by 1465% relative to that obtained from the steady-state signal. The relative persistent secondary pyroelectric effect weakens the height of Schottky barrier, leading to a reduction of the steady-state photocurrent with an increase in the power density. When the power density is large enough, the steady-state photocurrent turns into a reverse direction. The corresponding tuning mechanisms of the comprehensive pyro-phototronic effect on transient and steady-state photocurrent are revealed based on the bandgap diagrams. The results may help us to further clarify the mechanism of the pyro-phototronic effect on the photocurrent and also provide a potential way to optimize the performance of self-powered PDs.