Scalable flexible and stretchable high performance UV photodetector based on MoS2-WO3/Ag composite on a PU substrate by utilizing LIG electrodes

The rapid advancements in photodetector device technologies have captivated the optoelectronic industry owing to their strong features, such as wearability, stretchability, energy efficiency, scalability and cost-effectiveness. However, there is still scope for enhancement in device performance, reliability, and scalable fabrication. In this research work, we have proposed a novel strategy for fabricating stretchable ultraviolet (UV) photodetector (PD) on a polyethylene glycol solution-processed synthesis of MoS2-WO3/Ag composite-based nanocrystals onto a polyurethane (PU) substrate. Moreover, laser induced graphene (LIG) interdigitated electrode arrays for swift photogenerated charge extraction due to their high conductivity. The device displays high photoresponsivity, external quantum efficiency, and specific detectivity, measured at 6.84 A/W, 143 %, and 2.87×1011 Jones, respectively. Additionally, the device demonstrates a quick response time of 80 ms when exposed to 360 nm light, indicating its high speed. These essential advantages have a great potential for applications in real life and mass production. The integration of advanced materials and LIG electrodes enhances the device capability for next-generation stretchable, flexible and wearable electronic devices. •The study presents a scalable fabrication technique for the development of high-performance UV photodetectors (PDs) based on MoS2-WO3/Ag composite materials, offering a promising approach for large-scale production.•The PDs exhibit exceptional stretchability and flexibility, enabling them to maintain consistent performance even under significant mechanical strain, making them suitable for wearable and flexible electronics applications.•The fabricated PDs demonstrate remarkable performance parameters, including a high responsivity (R) of approximately 7 A/W, a detectivity (D*) of 2.87 × 1011 Jones, and an external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 143 %, underscoring their suitability for demanding UV sensing applications.•Notably, the PDs exhibit rapid response times, with a rise time (τr) of 0.08 s and a fall time (τf) of 0.7 s, facilitating swift detection and accurate measurement of UV light signals, essential for real-time sensing applications.•The study demonstrates the long-term stability of the PDs, with minimal degradation observed after exposure to environmental conditions for up to three months, highlighting their robustness and reliability for continuous operation in real-world setting