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.