Highly Efficient Photodetection in Metal Nanocluster/Graphene Heterojunctions

Abstract

The molecule-like metal nanoclusters gained wide attention from biomedical to energy applications in recent years owing to their discrete spectra. These atomically precise metal nanoclusters exhibit a significant band opening and consequently the possibility for strong light emission. Based upon previous reports on conventional semiconductors, the semiconducting nature of these nanoclusters combined with two-dimensional semimetals can have a huge impact on optoelectronic devices. The present work demonstrates that a hybrid structure of glutathione stabilized gold nanoclusters (GSH-Au NCs) with monolayer graphene can serve as a highly sensitive photodetector. The underlying mechanism can be well understood by the fact that the photoexcited carriers in GSH-Au NCs enable them to effectively transfer into the highly conductive graphene transporting layer. Under 325 nm laser illumination, a photoresponsivity of 7 A W −1 estimated in GSH-Au NCs photodetector has been enhanced to 2 × 10 5 A W −1 through the hybrid GSH-Au NCs/graphene photodetector, which is the highest value among metal nanoclusters based devices. Additionally, the compatibility of metal nanocluster film on flexible substrates has been demonstrated. The GSH-Au NCs exhibit a stable photoresponse under the application of systematic mechanical strain, manifesting their excellent mechanical stability. Thus, our work establishes the outstanding photodetecting property of gold nanocluster thin films, which holds a promising potential for future development of cost-effective and solution-processed optoelectronic devices, including emerging wearable technology.

Peptide‐tethered Perylenebisimide Aggregates with Copper Nanoclusters showing Thermoresponsive and Photoresponsive Properties

“…A hybrid structure of glutathione stabilized Au Nano clusters has been developed with a maximum photocurrent generation of 4 μA by Y.F. Chen and his team [47b] …”

Solvent‐Induced Modulation in the Optical Properties of Copper Nanoclusters and Revealing the Isomeric Effect of Templates

“…The sub-nanometer-sized MNCs with highly discretized energy levels are continuing to receive tremendous research attention as a fascinating class of functional materials owing to their sizedependent optical properties, excellent photo-stability, and promising bio-compatibility. [1][2][3][4] The highly tuneable optical properties of these ultra-small MNCs are the most demanding feature in multi-dimensional applications related to optoelectronics, [5][6] sensing, [7][8][9] light-harvesting, [10][11] and designing of luminescent light emitting devices. [12][13] Although the absolute origin of the PL properties of these MNCs is still obscure, the kernel-origin mechanism (due to the metallic core) and Ligand to Metal Charge Transfer (LMCT) mechanism (due to the ligand shell) are extensively explored.…”

2D CdSe/CdS Core–Shell Nanoplatelets for High-Performance Photodetectors

“…Chen et al have designed a highly sensitive photodetector fabricated with metal nanoclusters and a graphene heterojunction. It exhibited a high photoresponse due to the efficient separation and transportation of charge carriers through the heterojunction . Liu et al have demonstrated a broadband photodetector based on the SnO 2 /Si heterostructure with a spherical cavity-like structure.…”

“…It exhibited a high photoresponse due to the efficient separation and transportation of charge carriers through the heterojunction. 7 Liu et al have demonstrated a broadband photodetector based on the SnO 2 /Si heterostructure with a spherical cavity-like structure. The large active surface area endows ultrafast photodetection ability with a very high detectivity value.…”