A Supersensitive, Ultrafast, and Broad-Band Light-Harvesting Scheme Employing Carbon Nanotube/TiO2 Core–Shell Nanowire Geometry

Abstract

We demonstrate a novel, feasible strategy for practical application of one-dimensional photodetectors by integrating a carbon nanotube and TiO2 in a core–shell fashion for breaking the compromise between the photogain and the response/recovery speed. Radial Schottky barriers between carbon nanotube cores and TiO2 shells and surface states at TiO2 shell surface regulate electron transport and also facilitate the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes, leading to ultrahigh photogain (G = 1.4 × 104) and the ultrashort response/recovery times (4.3/10.2 ms). Additionally, radial Schottky junction and defect band absorption broaden the detection range (UV–visible). The concept using metallic core oxide–shell geometry with radial Schottky barriers holds potential to pave a new way to realize nanostructured photodetectors for practical use.