Controlled size Ag nanoparticle doped CSA-PANI composite for efficient ultraviolet photodetection

We report the enhanced ultraviolet (UV) photodetection performance of a size-controlled silver nanoparticle (Ag NP) doped camphorsulfonic acid (CSA) doped polyaniline (PANI) composite with a cost effective approach. The uniform dispersion and controlled size (∼5 nm) of Ag NPs within the CSA-PANI matrix are prepared by using the water-in-oil microemulsion technique and chemical sol-gel route. The surface morphology of prepared Ag nanoparticles doped CSA-PANI has been examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The integration of Ag NPs to CSA-PANI contributes to increased carrier mobility and conductivity of the samples. The optoelectronics properties of the fabricated photodetector have been examined using a semiconductor parametric analyzer for biased voltages of −1 to 1 V. A rise time of ∼2.7 ms and a fall time of ∼1.9 ms have been observed with the proposed device. The synergistic effect of Ag size control and conductive polymer offers a promising path for scalable, low-cost UV photodetectors in optoelectronic applications.