Hybrid nanocomposites for enhanced photodetection: Synthesis and application of Ag2O@Graphene/Si heterojunctions

Thin silver oxide graphene (Ag2O@G) nanocomposite films were synthesized via facile spray pyrolysis and integrated into heterojunction architectures with silicon substrate. Structural characterization confirmed the successful anchoring of crystalline Ag2O nanoparticles uniformly over graphene layers with strong interfacial coupling. Optical analysis showed synergistic tuning of the band structure by hybridization, which improves light absorption. Electrical measurements showed rectification behavior of the diode and an increase in photocurrent up to milliamperes under illumination. A response time of 350 ms, a recovery time of 400 ms, stability over repeated cycles and exceptional values such as 0.39 A/W responsivity, 88 % external quantum efficiency and 4×1011 Jones detectivity at 600 nm were achieved. The nanocomposite heterojunctions utilize the superior charge mobility of graphene with the bandgap tuning of Ag2O, enabling efficient light harvesting, photogeneration, and ambipolar charge separation and transport across the multifunctional interface. Customized Ag2O@G heterostructures represent a promising material platform to drive advances in high performance photodetectors, image sensors, night vision devices and photovoltaics through the engineering of morphology, crystallinity and interfaces.