In a significant stride towards flexible electronics, researchers have developed a novel bioplastic semiconductor that could revolutionize the energy sector. The study, led by Posak Tippo from Chiang Mai University in Thailand, introduces a flexible photodetector based on a zinc oxide (ZnO) and nickel oxide (NiO) heterojunction, offering a promising alternative to conventional, rigid semiconductor devices.
The conventional process for creating ZnO/NiO heterojunctions is complex, requiring high temperatures and a vacuum. Moreover, these heterojunctions are typically deposited on solid substrates, limiting their use in flexible electronics. Tippo and his team have addressed these challenges by developing a simple and efficient method for synthesizing and fabricating flexible ZnO/NiO bioplastics.
“We wanted to create a flexible, efficient, and cost-effective photodetector that could be easily integrated into various applications,” said Tippo. The team achieved this by using a precipitation method to synthesize ZnO and NiO nanoparticles and a gel-casting method to fabricate flexible ZnO/NiO bioplastics, with agar serving as the matrix and nanoparticles as fillers.
The researchers found that increasing the concentration of both nanoparticles enhanced the electrical properties and reduced the band gap of the ZnO/NiO bioplastic. The optimized devices demonstrated an ideality factor of 1.67, a response time of 55 milliseconds, and a recovery time of 34 milliseconds. Notably, the change in photocurrent density remained consistent at different bending angles, indicating the device’s flexibility and durability.
The implications of this research are substantial for the energy sector. Flexible photodetectors could be integrated into solar panels, enabling more efficient and adaptable energy harvesting. They could also be used in wearable electronics, allowing for real-time monitoring of energy consumption and production.
“This research opens a new opportunity for bioplastic semiconductors in flexible electronic applications,” Tippo said. By offering a mechanism for engineering the band gap of heterojunctions, this study could pave the way for future developments in flexible electronics and renewable energy technologies.
The study was published in the journal “Materials Research Express,” which translates to “Expressions of Material Research” in English. As the world continues to seek sustainable and efficient energy solutions, this research offers a promising step forward in the field of flexible electronics.