Self-powered infrared detection using a graphene oxide film

Abstract

The interaction between water and graphene oxide (GO), including water adsorption and desorption, has been widely used to demonstrate moisture-electric energy transformation (MEET). By taking advantage of water desorption stimulated by infrared (IR) light from a graphene oxide film with a gradient of oxygen-containing groups (O-group), a self-powered IR detection approach that can convert IR light into electric signals is demonstrated. The temperature sensitivity reaches 4.2 mK. With further optimization of the materials and structures, the performance of such self-powered IR detection can be further improved. The mechanism of the detection involving an IR/thermal effect on the interaction between vapor molecules and solid materials also has potential applications in thermal detection, thermal energy conversion, and chemical sensing.