Charge transport mechanism of polyaniline/ZnO nanocomposites based on inorganic/organic heterojunctions

Abstract

The key to improve the photocurrent is how to promote the generation rate and reduce the recombination rate of the photo-hole pair. In this paper, a p-n heterjunction structure in Polyaniline (PANI)/ZnO nanocomposites was formed via mechanical mixing process. Compared with ZnO, PANI doped ZnO nanocomposites exhibit obviously enhanced response. It might be attributed to the p-n heterojunctions formed between p-type and n-type enhanced response, enhancing the charge separation and in turn promoting the photoconductivity of the film. The 5at-%PANI doped ZnO nanocomposites demonstrates the highest response.