Flexible photodetectors based on reticulated SWNT/perovskite quantum dot heterostructures with ultrahigh durability

Nanoscale. 2019 Apr 23;11(16):8020-8026. doi: 10.1039/c8nr08026g.

Abstract

Recently, single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) films have been regarded as a promising channel material for flexible photodetectors due to their high intrinsic carrier mobility, conductivity, and mechanical flexibility. However, the application of SWNTs in photonic devices is limited due to their weak light absorption and the absence of a gain mechanism. Here, we demonstrate a high-performance flexible photodetector that consists of a reticulated SWNT film covered with a thin film of CsPbI3 perovskite colloidal quantum dots. The unique hierarchical reticulated structure of the SWNTs provides such films with extremely high tensile strength and great extensibility, which can ensure the appropriate toughness for achieving flexible photodetectors. Meanwhile, the perovskite quantum dots enhance light absorption, thereby sensitizing the creation of free electrical carriers within the SWNTs. This hybrid photodetector exhibits an extended photonic response and gain compared with the original pure SWNT devices. In addition, the device exhibits good robustness against repetitive bending and stretching, suggesting its applicability as a large-area wearable flexible photodetector.