Solution-processed ultraviolet photodetedtors based on colloidal ZnO nanoparticles

A "visible-blind" solution-processed UV photodetector is realized on the basis of colloidal ZnO nanoparticles. The devices exhibit low dark currents with a resistance > 1 T Omega and high UV photocurrent efficiencies with a responsivity of 61 A/W at an average intensity of 1.06 mW/cm(2) illumination at 370 nm. The characteristic times for the rise and fall of the photocurrent are < 0.1 s and about 1 s, respectively. The photocurrent of the device is associated with a light-induced desorption of oxygen from the nanoparticle surfaces, thus removing electron traps and increasing the free carrier density which in turn reduces the Schottky barrier between contacts and ZnO nanoparticles for electron injection. The devices are promising for use in large-area UV photodetector applications.