Visible-light photoelectrochemical photodetector based on In-rich InGaN/Cu2O core-shell nanowire p-n junctions

n-InGaN/p-Cu2O core-shell nanowire (NW) p-n junctions enable efficient self-powered photoelectrochemical photodetectors (PEC PDs) in the visible. The photocurrent density under one-sun illumination is enhanced by 8 times compared to that of bare InGaN NW PEC PDs due to maximized photocarrier separation in the built-in electric field of the p-n junction. The responsivity reaches 173 mu A/W under one-sun illumination. The response times of 30-40 ms are among the shortest achieved for PEC PDs. Together with the long-time stability and reusability, a robust, easy to fabricate, and easy to operate self-powered PEC PD is introduced. (C) 2022 Author(s). All article content, except where otherwise noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Automated summary

The researchers have successfully developed an efficient self-powered photoelectrochemical photodetector using a core-shell nanowire design. The photocurrent density is significantly enhanced, and the response time is short, achieving one of the shortest response times among similar devices. It also exhibits long-time stability and reusability.