Dual-Response UV Radiation Detector Based on Color Switching and Photoresistance Response for UV Radiation Monitoring

Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is dangerous and can cause serious skin diseases if skin is excessively exposed to it. Thus, it is highly desirable for human health to monitor the UV radiation intensity. In this report, a flexible and stretchable dual-response UV radiation detector is reported by integrating UV-responsive color-switchable WO₃ quantum dots (QDs) with an electrical hydrogel. With the radiation intensity of UV increasing from 0.5 to 10 mW/cm², the color of the hydrogel switched to dark blue gradually due to the excellent photochromic property of WO₃ QDs to UV radiation. Furthermore, a linear relationship can be established between color difference and UV radiation intensity. Hence, the color difference of the hydrogel under solar UV irradiation can be used to estimate the solar UV radiation intensity in daily life. In addition, when the UV radiation intensity is greater than 10 mW/cm², the photochromic hydrogel converts the colorimetric response into the electrical resistance change. Thus, due to its excellent photochromic and electrical resistance response properties for UV irradiation, the prepared hydrogel provides an idea for developing novel detection instruments.