Two-dimensional InTeClO3: an ultrawide-bandgap material with potential application in a deep ultraviolet photodetector

Abstract

Ultrawide-bandgap semiconductors, possessing bandgaps distinctly larger than the 3.4 eV of GaN, have emerged as a promising class capable of achieving deep ultraviolet (UV) light detection. Based on first-principles calculations, we propose an unexplored two-dimensional (2D) InTeClO₃ layered system with ultrawide bandgaps ranging from 4.34 eV of bulk to 4.54 eV of monolayer. Our calculations demonstrate that 2D InTeClO₃ monolayer can be exfoliated from its bulk counterpart and maintain good thermal and dynamic stability at room temperature. The ultrawide bandgaps may be modulated by the small in-plane strains and layer thickness in a certain range. Furthermore, the 2D InTeClO₃ monolayer shows promising electron transport behavior and strong optical absorption capacity in the deep UV range. A two-probe InTeClO₃-based photodetection device has been constructed for evaluating the photocurrent. Remarkably, the effective photocurrent (5.7 A m⁻² at photon energy of 4.2 eV) generation under polarized light has been observed in such a photodetector. Our results indicate that 2D InTeClO₃ systems have strong photoresponse capacity in the deep UV region, accompanying the remarkable polarization sensitivity and high extinction ratio. These distinctive characteristics highlight the promising application prospects of InTeClO₃ materials in the field of deep UV optoelectronics.