Facile fabrication of UV photodetector based on spatial network of tetrapod ZnO nanostructures

A highly sensitive UV photodetector based on a spatial network of tetrapod ZnO nanostructures was fabricated by a new simple and cost-effective method. The device showed a drastic and fast response to UV illumination in atmosphere at room temperature, but no response to visible light. The photocurrent and dark current contrast ratio is up to approximately six orders of magnitude at an applied bias of 1 V. The photoresponse mechanism is also analysed and discussed. The proposed approach provides a facile and effective way to fabricate high- performance photodetector or other nanodevices.