Paper-based flexible photodetector functionalized by WS2/Ti3C2Tx 2D-2D heterostructures

Paper-based photodetectors are gaining attention in the field of optoelectronics due to their low cost, flexibility, and eco-friendliness. The paper-based devices have applications in areas like wearable devices, environmental monitoring, and point-of-care diagnostics, where these photodetectors exhibit significant potential. In the present work, we fabricated paper-based photodetectors functionalized by WS2/Ti3C2Tx heterostructures. These materials were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, UV–visible spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Energy dispersive spectroscopy, and Scanning electron microscopy. We fabricated a paper-based flexible device from this WS2/Ti3C2Tx composite using a solvent-free, easily available, and cost-effective Hand-print method. We studied the I–V & I-t response of this device. The as-synthesized device shows excellent photodetection properties with a responsivity value of 3.06 mA/W, and 5.93 × 108 Jones specific detectivity. We further investigated the flexibility and durability of these devices. Finally, the current study supports a substantial advancement in the design of reliable, flexible, and large-area optoelectronic devices. •We fabricated paper-based photodetectors functionalized by WS2/Ti3C2Tx heterostructures.•The responsivity of 3.06 mA/W, and specific detectivity of 5.93 × 108 Jones are achieved.•The flexibility and durability of this paper based devices were investigated.•WS2/Ti3C2Tx heterostructures based photodetector shows broad spectral response.