Transparent Schottky Photodiode Based on AgNi NWs/SrTiO3 Contact with an Ultrafast Photoresponse to Short-Wavelength Blue Light and UV-Shielding Effect

A transparent Schottky photodiode is constructed based on a SrTiO3 (STO) wafer, in which nickel-coated silver nanowires (AgNi NWs) are proposed as the high-work-function transparent electrode. A selective photoresponse to harmful short-wavelength blue (SWB) light is generated owing to the proper bandgap of STO, and the AgNi NWs effectively strengthen the photovoltaic behavior, resulting in an ultrafast response speed (t(rise)/t(fall) = 7 mu s/115 mu s) and photocurrent of 16-38 nA under a 0 V bias. Meanwhile, the complete device maintains a transparency of approximate to 60% almost over the entire visible light region and blocks 96.7% UVA and >99.9% UVB. The combination of bias-free SWB detection and transparent UV shielding is readily applicable to protect against light pollution. Furthermore, this work proposes a considerable method to modulate the work function of transparent Ag NW electrodes by surface coating, which provides inspiration for the development of transparent electrode materials with different work functions.