A non-metal selenium single atom-based self-powered photodetector

Abstract

Non-layered selenium (Se) is a promising material for applications in transistors and optoelectronic devices due to its excellent intrinsic (opto)electronic properties. In this work, non-metal Se single atoms (SAs) are designed, and for the first time, employed as active materials for the construction of a prototypical photoelectrochemical (PEC)-type photodetector. It is demonstrated that the as-fabricated photodetector displays both superior photocurrent density and photoresponsivity, as well as ultrahigh PEC stability compared to the previously reported Se nanostructure (e.g., Se nanosheets and Se quantum dots)-based PEC devices, holding great potential for practical applications.