Surface modification of ZnO nanowires using single walled carbon nanotubes for efficient UV–visible broadband photodetection

Abstract A UV–visible broadband photodetector (PD) based on single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/Zinc oxide nanowire (ZnO NW) hybrid is being reported. This work focuses on designing a stable, fast, efficient and reliable hybrid broadband PD by surface modification of ZnO NWs using SWCNT. The study shows that spectral response of the hybrid heterostructure (HS) spans beyond the UV spectrum and into the visible region which is due to the integration of SWCNTs. Photoluminescence (PL) study reveals surface plasmon (SP) mediated resonance phenomenon resulting in an increase in PL intensity. High nanotube charge carrier mobility and conductivity allows the hybrid HS to attain high values of spectral responsivity ( R λ = 187.77 A W −1 ), external quantum efficiency (EQE = 5.82 × 10 4 %), specific detectivity ( D * = 7.04 × 10 11 Jones) and small noise equivalent power (NEP = 4.77 × 10 −12 W) values for the SWCNT/ZnO NW hybrid HS. The device also gives quick rise ( t rise = 0.43 s) and fall ( t fall = 0.60 s) time values.