A study of photocurrent spectrum of porous ZnO film sensitized by metal chloride solutions

In order to study the ZnO photoresponse mechanism, a platform that can perform the photocurrent spectrum measurement has been designed. By using our platform, the photocurrent spectrum of porous ZnO film sensitized by metal chloride solutions was obtained. We used the screen printing technique to fabricate the material chip. The measurements were performed in dry air (relative humidity 15%) and at room temperature. We observed two peaks in the photocurrent spectrum. The peak at 380 nm is assigned to the exciton transition. The shoulder peak at 480 nm is owed to surface states introduced by sensitization and we find VZn plays an important role on this phenomenon. A model is proposed to explain the phenomenon. Furthermore, it is suggested that our platform is a useful tool for photoresponse research and can offer an effective guidance for further investment of light activated gas sensors.

Highlights► A platform that can perform the photocurrent spectrum measurement has been designed. ► Porous ZnO Film was sensitized by metal chloride solutions. ► Sensitization improved VZn concentration near the interface of ZnO nanoparticles. ► We observed two peaks in the past photocurrent spectrum of ZnO film sensitized by AlCl3. ► Photoresponse mechanism was investigated.