A facile template-assisted synthesis of large-scale Bi2O3 nanotube arrays for self-powered UV photodetector

Large-scale Bi2O3 nanotubes (NTs) arrays were successfully synthesized on ITO substrate with the assistance of ZnO nanorods template at room temperature. The as-synthesized highly orientated Bi2O3 NTs with an average diameter of ∼95 nm were well distributed throughout the entire substrate. Moreover, Bi2O3 NTs were employed to construct the ultraviolet photodetector (UVPD). Received to UV irradiation, the Bi2O3 NTs UVPD displayed a high average current density of 40.4 μA/cm2, coupled with fast average rise time of ∼28.8 ms and decay time of ∼40.9 ms. Furthermore, the Bi2O3 NTs UVPD could carry out accurate UV detection without external bias as well as maintain good stability and repeatability. Additionally, the UV detection mechanism of the as-assembled Bi2O3 NTs UVPD was also discussed.