InSe–Te van derWaals heterostructures for current rectification and photodetection

As the basis of modern electronics and optoelectronics, high-performance, multi-functional p–n junctions have manifested and occupied an important position. However, the performance of the silicon-based p–n junctions declines gradually as the thickness approaches to few nanometers. The heterojunction constructed by two-dimensional (2D) materials can significantly improve the device performance compared with traditional technologies. Here, we report the InSe–Te type-II van der Waals heterostructures with rectification ratio up to 1.56 × 10⁷ at drain–source voltage of ± 2 V. The p–n junction exhibits a photovoltaic and photoelectric effect under different laser wavelengths and densities and has high photoresponsivity and detectivity under low irradiated light power. Moreover, the heterojunction has stable photo/dark current states and good photoelectric switching characteristics. Such high-performance heterostructured device based on 2D materials provides a new way for futural electronic and optoelectronic devices.