2D MoS₂ Nanosheets-PANI Derived Nanojunctions for Highly Responsive and Energy-Efficient Metal–Semiconductor–Metal Photodetectors

The exceptional properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials have contributed to significant advancements in optoelectronics (OPs). While various effective methods exist for enhancing photodetector (PD) responsivity, the constrained spectral range persists as a limiting factor of the device. This study demonstrates the ability to create a p-n heterojunction between 2D molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets and polyaniline (PANI) for metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) PDs using a solution-processed approach on PET substrate. We evaluated the MoS2-PANI nanohybrid PD device across the visible and ultraviolet (UV) spectra. When exposed to UV and visible light irradiation, the estimated maximum responsivities of the fabricated PD are 29.98 AW–1 and 73.32 AW–1, respectively. This is significant when compared with the earlier research on broadband PDs. We create a pathway for developing highly responsive broadband PDs by integrating organic and inorganic materials. These innovations hold promise for various applications in security, healthcare, and beyond.