Slow-rise and fast-drop current feature of ultraviolet response spectra for ZnO-nanowire film modulated by water molecules

This study describes the fabrication of ZnO-nanowire films by electro-chemical anodization of Zn foil. The ZnO films are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction patterns, and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The ultraviolet (UV) photo-response properties of the surface-contacted ZnO film are studied through the current evolution processes under different relative humidities. Unlike the usually observed current spectra of the ZnO films, the drop time is shorter than the rise time. The photo-conductivity gain G and the response time τ are both increased with the increase of the applied bias. The photo-conductivity gain G is lowered with the increase of the environmental humidity, while the response time τ is increased. These results can be explained by considering three different surface processes: 1) the electron-hole (e—p) pair generation by the UV light illumination, 2) the following surface O−2 species desorption, and 3) the photo-catalytic hydrolysis of water molecules adsorbed on the ZnO surface. The slow-rise and fast-drop current feature is suggested to originate from the sponge-like structure of the ZnO nanowires.