Flexible polarization-sensitive photodetectors based on a NiPS3/MoTe2 heterostructure

Flexible electronics that are stretchable or bendable have attracted increased attention in the field of wearable and portable electronics. Traditional bulk materials encounter challenges because of their rigid, brittle and opaque features, preventing their specific applications in bendable and flexible optoelectronics. In this study, we developed a flexible photodetector based on a NiPS 3 /MoTe 2 heterostructure compatible with any substrate due to its mechanical flexibility and bonding-free surface. Because this heterostructure exhibits significant photovoltaic effects and polarization-sensitive detection capabilities, it becomes possible to transfer the device to a flexible substrate such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) for imaging applications.Our photodetector exhibits rectification behaviour with a ratio of 2.52 × 10 2 and broadband photoresponse with a spectral range of 405–1310 nm. Due to the in-plane optical anisotropy of the NiPS 3 component, our photodetector also exhibits significant polarization-dependent photocurrent with a maximum polarization ratio value of ∼11.2. This study assembled an anisotropic NiPS 3 into a van der Waals heterostructure, broadening the scope of NiPS 3 /MoTe 2 heterostructure potential applications in flexible and polarised optoelectronics. • This work introduced a NiPS 3 /MoTe 2 heterostructure for diverse substrate compatibility. • This work developed a heterostructure photodetector for imaging applications on flexible PET substrates. • This work expands the potential for flexible and polarized optoelectronics.