Two-Step Facile Preparation of 2D MoS2/ZnO Nanocomposite $p$-$n$ Junctions with Enhanced Photoelectric Performance

Abstract

Both p - n and n - p heterojunctions of ZnO-MoS2 have been fabricated in order to understand the performance of electron and hole transport properties in solar cells and a self-powered photodetector system. Atomically thin 2-dimensional (2D) MoS2 was prepared by using a spin coating method with controlled process times, whereas ZnO nanowires were prepared by using a plasma sputtering deposition technique. The nanoscale morphologies, composites, and photoelectric properties of nanocomposites were examined using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and micro-Raman scattering spectroscopy, respectively. 2D heteronanostructures have exhibited an enhanced performance as compared to single-material-based prototypes. In photovoltaic mode, n - p heterojunction of the ZnO-MoS2-based prototype appears to have much better photoelectric conversion efficiency than that in the case with p - n junction, indicating highly effective hole transport properties of 2D MoS2 materials. Both band broadening and band shift were observed. Furthermore, the bias, annealing, and synergistic effects on the generated photocurrents and the response times were evaluated. The newly designed prototype exhibits exceptional properties: a broadband spectral response, a high signal-to-noise ratio, and excellent stability.

Progress and development on the synthesis and application of two-dimensional molybdenum disulphide

“…15,144–146 In addition to its semiconducting properties, they have high surface area to volume ratio, variable bandgap and availability of reactive sites make them well known for energy storage, catalyst and sensor applications. 18,147–149 Figure 14 depicts the diverse application of 2D MoS 2 materials. These unique properties of 2D TMDs results from the quantum confinement and surface effects when the bulk material is separated into a mono layer.…”

Electron Transfer Mechanism and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Ga2O3/MoS2 Nanoheterostructures: Implications for Optoelectronic Devices

“…Lin et al 38 fabricated MoS 2 @SnS core/shell heterostructures through a stepwise HT reaction and found that the construction of the heterostructures can effectively improve the electrochemical performance, which is attributed to the enhanced charge transfer at the interface of the heterostructures. The twostep method for creating MoS 2 /ZnO nanocomposite p−n junctions with improved photoelectric performance was proposed by Aldalbahi et al 39 Wu et al 40 successfully prepared a ZnO@MoS 2 core−shell heterostructure array by the two-step HT method and found that the heterostructures can obtain the maximum transient photoresponse current under the light condition with excellent photocurrent stability. Therefore, constructing heterogeneous structures of MoS 2 may serve as a viable approach for improving its photoelectric performance.…”

Development of MoS2-ZnO heterostructures: an efficient bifunctional catalyst for the detection of glucose and degradation of toxic organic dyes

“…44 Similarly, prototypes of solar cells and self-powered photodetectors have been developed based on the coupling of ZnO nanowires (NW) and 2D MoS 2 nanosheets (NS) with either p-n-type or n-p-type heterojunction nanostructures. 45 Yet, these works suffer from the low degradation efficiency of pollutants or longer time to degrade. Similarly, most of the MoS 2 based electrochemical sensors displayed low sensitivity and poor detection limit towards various analytes.…”

“…44 Similarly, prototypes of solar cells and self-powered photodetectors have been developed based on the coupling of ZnO nanowires (NW) and 2D MoS 2 nanosheets (NS) with either p–n-type or n–p-type heterojunction nanostructures. 45…”