Photoelectrochemical UV Detector Based on High-Temperature Resistant ITO Nanowire Network Transparent Conductive Electrodes: Both the Response Range and Responsivity Are Improved

Abstract

UV transparent conductive electrodes based on transferable ITO nanowire networks were prepared to solve the problem of low UV light utilization in conventional photoelectrochemical UV detectors. The mutually cross-linked ITO nanowire network achieved good electrical conductivity and light transmission, and the novel electrode had a transmission rate of more than 80% throughout the near-UV and visible regions. Compared to Ag nanowire electrodes with similar functionality, the chemical stability of the ITO nanowire transparent conductive electrode ensured that the device worked stably in iodine-based electrolytes. More importantly, ITO electrodes composed of oxides could withstand temperatures above 800 °C, which is extremely critical for photoelectrochemical devices. After the deposition of a TiO2 active layer using the high-temperature method, the response range of the photoelectrochemical UV detector was extended from a peak-like response between 300–400 nm to a plateau-like response between 200–400 nm. The responsivity was significantly increased to 56.1 mA/W. The relationship between ITO nanowire properties and device performance, as well as the reasons for device performance enhancement, were intensively investigated.