Multicolor Graphene Nanoribbon/Semiconductor Nanowire Heterojunction Light-Emitting Diodes

TL;DR

This paper introduces novel GNR/SNW heterojunction LEDs that emit across a broad spectrum from UV to red, demonstrating a new approach for flexible, transparent, and next-generation display technologies.

Contribution

First demonstration of GNR/SNW heterojunction LEDs with a face-to-face contact structure enabling broad-spectrum emission.

Findings

Emitted light wavelengths from UV to red depending on SNW band-gaps.

Heterojunction LEDs operate at forward bias with distinct emission spectra.

Approach is adaptable to various semiconductor nanomaterials.

Abstract

We report novel graphene nanoribbon (GNR)/semiconductor nanowire (SNW) heterojunction light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for the first time. The GNR and SNW have a face-to-face contact structure, which has the merit of bigger active region. ZnO, CdS, and CdSe NWs were employed in our case. At forward biases, the GNR/SNW heterjunction LEDs could emit light with wavelengths varying from ultraviolet (380 nm) to green (513 nm) to red (705 nm), which were determined by the band-gaps of the involved SNWs. The mechanism of light emitting for the GNR/SNW heterojunction LED was discussed. Our approach can easily be extended to other semiconductor nano-materials. Moreover, our achievement opens the door to next-generation display technologies, including portable, "see-through", and conformable products.