journal article·2025-03-04Open access

High-Stability WSe2 Homojunction Photodetectors via Asymmetric Schottky and PIN Architectures

Jiaji Yang, Xin Li, Junzhe Gu, Feilong Yu, Jin Chen, Wei Lu, Xiaoshuang Chen

Coatings· Volume 15· Issue 3

Abstract

High-stability photovoltaic devices are crucial for low-power or passive applications in fields such as renewable energy, wearable electronics, and deep-space exploration. However, achieving stable and controllable doping in two-dimensional (2D) materials remains challenging, hindering the optimization of photovoltaic performance. Here, we fabricate three high-performance, self-driven photodetectors based on layered WSe2 with varying doping concentrations. By leveraging asymmetric Schottky barriers and introducing a defect-free, high-bandgap intrinsic region with a long mean free path, we construct a positive–intrinsic–negative (PIN) vertical homojunction that significantly enhances the photogenerated voltage, photon absorption, and carrier transport efficiency. The resulting PIN junction exhibits a photogenerated voltage of up to 0.58 V, a responsivity of 0.35 A/W, and an external quantum efficiency of 83.9%. Moreover, it maintains a reverse saturation current as low as 0.2 nA at 430 K. These results provide a promising route toward the development of high-responsivity, high-stability van der Waals devices and highlight the potential for 2D material-based technologies to operate reliably under extreme conditions.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: 2D Materials and Applications · Chalcogenide Semiconductor Thin Films · MXene and MAX Phase Materials

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Shanghai Research Center for Quantum Sciences, 99 Xiupu Road, Shanghai 201315, China

State Key Laboratory of Infrared Physics, Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 500 Yu-Tian Road, Shanghai 200083, China

School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China

University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Beijing 100049, China

Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.1 Sub-Lane Xiangshan, Hangzhou 310024, China

Funding

National Key Research and Development Program · Strategic Priority Research Program (B) of Chinese Academy of Sciences · National Natural Science Foundation of China · Shanghai Science and Technology Committee · Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project · Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province · Youth Innovation Promotion Association · International Partnership Program · Soft Matter Nanofab

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