A graphene–Mo2C heterostructure for a highly responsive broadband photodetector

Photodetectors based on intrinsic graphene can operate over a broad wavelength range with ultrafast response, but their responsivity is much lower than commercial silicon photodiodes. The combination of graphene with two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors may enhance the light absorption, but there is still a cutoff wavelength originating from the bandgap of semiconductors. Here, we report a highly responsive broadband photodetector based on the heterostructure of graphene and transition metal carbides (TMCs, more specifically Mo2C). The graphene–Mo2C heterostructure enhanced light absorption over a broad wavelength range from ultraviolet to infrared. In addition, there is very small resistance for photoexcited carriers in both graphene and Mo2C. Consequently, photodetectors based on the graphene–Mo2C heterostructure deliver a very high responsivity from visible to infrared telecommunication wavelengths.