Preparation of WO sub(3 network squares for ultrasensitive photodetectors)

Three-dimensional WO sub(3 network squares have been fabricated on a large scale by a hydrothermal method at 160 [deg]C without any template or surfactant. The characterization of the network squares with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy indicates a single crystalline hexagonal structure with a square of side length up to 20 [micro]m. The influence of pH value on the morphology of the final product has been studied, indicating that more uniform WO) sub(3) network squares can be obtained at pH 1.7. A possible growth mechanism involves the Ostwald ripening, oriented attachment and etching effect. The UV-vis reflection spectrum indicates a band gap of [inline image]3.2 eV. The photodetector based on a single WO sub(3 network square shows remarkable photosensitivity under intermittent illumination of the simulated sunlight, which could mainly be attributed to the specific network structure of WO) sub(3) and the Schottky contacts. AB: