A stable and self-powered SnPS3 photodetector with a broadband response from visible to near-infrared

Abstract

In recent years, transition metal phosphorus trichalcogenides have been successfully applied on multiple occasions in the field of photoelectrochemical (PEC) photodetection. In this work, high-quality SnPS₃ crystals were synthesized via the chemical vapor transport method and then exfoliated via the liquid-phase exfoliation method to be utilized as active materials in PEC-type photodetectors. The device exhibited an excellent self-powered response and a broadband detection range from 400 nm to 900 nm in an acidic environment. Under simulated sunlight illumination, it achieved a photocurrent density of 31.2 µA cm⁻², a responsivity of 195 µA W⁻¹, and rise and decay times of 75 and 91 ms, respectively. The best photoelectric response performance appeared under 400 nm light excitation, with a photocurrent density and responsivity of 11.04 µA cm⁻² and 175.19 µA W⁻¹, respectively. Furthermore, after approximately 6200 s of a long-term cycling test and 66 days of an air stability test, the detector's photocurrent density retention rates were 89.23% and 81.05%, respectively. This work implies the significant potential of SnPS₃ for being used in the field of self-powered broadband photodetection.