Three-dimensionally Enlarged Photoelectrodes by a Protogenetic Inclusion of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes into CH3NH3PbBr3 Single Crystals

TL;DR

This study demonstrates the growth of methylammonium lead bromide single crystals on vertically aligned carbon nanotube forests, creating a three-dimensional enlarged photosensitive interface with potential for stable optoelectronic devices.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method of integrating MAPbBr3 crystals with VACNTs, enabling enhanced photoresponse and potential p-n junction formation in perovskite-based devices.

Findings

Photodetectors detect low light intensities (~20 nW) across UV to 550 nm.

Photocurrent observed at zero bias suggests p-n junction formation.

Vertically aligned CNTs serve as stable electrodes in perovskite optoelectronics.

Abstract

We demonstrate that single crystals of methylammonium lead bromide (MAPbBr3) could be grown directly on vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) forests. The fast-growing MAPbBr3 single crystals engulfed the protogenetic inclusions in the form of individual CNTs, thus resulting in a three-dimensionally enlarged photosensitive interface. Photodetector devices were obtained, detecting low light intensities (~20 nW) from UV range to 550 nm. Moreover, a photocurrent was recorded at zero external bias voltage which points to the plausible formation of a p-n junction resulting from interpenetration of MAPbBr3 single crystals into the VACNT forest. This reveals that vertically aligned CNTs can be used as electrodes in operationally stable perovskite-based optoelectronic devices and can serve as a versatile platform for future selective electrode development.