A Novel Visible-Light Photodetector Based on Chlorophyll-Modified ZnO Nanoparticles

This paper reports a new material for visible-light detection based on chlorophyll-modified ZnO nanoparticles. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized via a hydrothermal process. Chlorophyll was extracted from Katuk (Sauropus androgynus) leaves, an Indonesian vegetable which has many benefits for health. ZnO nanopartcles were mixed with the extracted chlorophyll, later to be formed into a film onto ITO coated glass substrate by the casting method. The hybrid chlorophyll-modified ZnO nanoparticle film was characterized for its optical absorption and current-voltage (I-V) property. A visible-light response of the hybrid chlorophyll-modified ZnO nanoparticle film can be seen on the I-V curves as well as a dynamic response.