Vertically‐Aligned GaS Nanosheets‐Based Photoelectrochemical Photodetector for Fast‐Speed, High‐Sensitivity, and Self‐Powered UV–vis Underwater Optical Communication

Abstract Underwater optical communication (UOC) based on the novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) type photodetector has garnered substantial interest in the field of marine resource exploration and ocean investigation due to its strong operability, self‐powered capability, and large sensitive area in harsh underwater environments. To achieve high sensitivity, fast transmission speed, and broadband response characteristics, vertical‐GaS nanosheets‐based PEC photodetectors are prepared by chemical vapor deposition for UOC application. The GaS based PEC photodetector exhibits excellent self‐powered photodetection and a broad UV–vis photoresponse range as well as high stability performance in both Na₂SO₄ electrolyte and seawater. Notably, it also demonstrates an exceptional photoresponsivity of 11 mA W⁻¹ coupled with a fast response and recovery time of 12.9 and 13 µs which are superior to those of 2D layered materials and conventional wide‐bandgap semiconductors. These improvements are mainly due to the large surface area, short diffusion length, as well as high carrier mobility of vertically‐oriented GaS nanosheets. Strikingly, the constructed GaS photodetector showcases a broad bandwidth exceeding the −3 dB cutoff frequency of 55.3 kHz during UOC testing, successfully enabling transmission and decoding of character information. This work establishes the groundwork for developing high‐performance, self‐powered UV–vis photodetectors adaptable to UOC using PEC technology.