Application of Conductive Polymer in TiO2-Based UV Photodetectors: A Review

Wide band gap TiO2 with high light absorption coefficient, high crystallinity, and high carrier mobility is widely used to assemble ultraviolet photodetectors (UV PDs) with high performance. Based on the strong attractiveness from its advantages such as high stability and excellent photoelectric properties, the construction of high-performance TiO2-based UV PDs has been extensively developed. Conducting polymers with high carrier mobility and good electrical conductivity can make up for the shortcomings of TiO2-based UV PDs to achieve efficient TiO2-based UV PDs with high photoelectric performances. In this paper, we present an in-depth review of the preparation process of TiO2 with conducting polymers and their complexes and introduce the principle, classification, and main evaluation parameters of UV PDs. In addition, this paper reviews that TiO2/polymer UV PDs have exhibited different optoelectronic properties (responsivity, switching ratio, detectivity, response time, etc.). Finally, it looks at the future of TiO2-based UV PDs research and the major challenges that need to be addressed, particularly that of further functional applications. This review lays the foundation for solving current technical problems and provides insights into the preparation of a more efficient TiO2/conductive polymer for future photovoltaic applications.