Quantum Dots-Facilitated Printing of ZnO Nanostructure Photodetectors with Improved Performance

A nanocomposite ink composed of zinc oxide precursor (ZnOPr) and crystalline ZnO quantum dots (ZnOPrQDs) has been explored for printing high-performance ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors. The performance of the devices has been compared with their counterparts’ printed from ZnOPr ink without ZnO QDs. Remarkably, higher UV photoresponsivity of 383.6 A/W and the on/off ratio of 2470 are observed in the former, which are significantly better than 14.7 A/W and 949 in the latter. The improved performance is attributed to the increased viscosity in the nanocomposite ink to enable a nonporous structure with improved crystallinity and surface-to-volume ratio. This is key to enhanced surface electron-depletion effect for higher UV responsivity and on/off ratio. In addition, the QD-assisted printing provides a simple and robust method for printing high-performance optoelectronics and sensors.