Breaking the Built-In Electric Field Barrier in p–n Heterojunction for Self-Powered, Wavelength Distinguishable Photoelectrochemical Photodetectors: Toward Low Power Consumption and Secure Underwater Wireless Sensor Network

Abstract

Self-powered, light wavelength distinguishable photodetectors (PDs) are appealing components to build a robust, secure, and low energy consumption underwater wireless sensor network (UWSN). However, achieving such devices is extremely difficult even today. In this context, the first self-powered, light wavelength distinguishable PDs with photoelectrochemical (PEC) principles and using tunnel junction (TJ) to overcome the technical hurdles for self-powered, light wavelength distinguishable PEC-PDs with p–n junction working electrode is reported. For such devices, a single photoelectrode is used, that is, one photoelectrode is able to distinguish different light wavelengths without using any external electrical power, and they are able to distinguish light wavelengths in both the ultraviolet (UV) and blue wavelength ranges. High responsivities reaching mA/W range and ultrafast response time with less than 10 ms are achieved in self-powered operation mode. Moreover, such devices are able to operate not only in acidic but also in NaCl electrolyte, making them potentially attractive for applications in ocean environment. In the end, it is demonstrated that leveraging such PEC-PDs, excellent data security can be achieved in the data communication mimicking that in an UWSN in ocean environment. This study not only represents a breakthrough in PDs, but also significantly advances the development of UWSNs, especially for ocean environment.