Eco-friendly wide-spectrum flexible photo-responsive polymer nanocomposite based on ZnO/cellulose nanofiber

This manuscript addresses electronic waste concerns through a pioneering study on a biodegradable, flexible, and wide-spectrum photodetector. Utilizing cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, it combines sustainability with notable optoelectronic properties. The photodetector was assessed under broadband light (ranging from UV (365 nm) to NIR (850 nm)) and showed the best performance under UV light (365 nm, 10 mW cm^-2), exhibits a maximum external quantum efficiency of 1270 %, responsivity of 3.74 A W^-1, and detectivity (D*) of 4.41 × 10¹⁰ Jones. Time-resolved measurements reveal a rise time of 0.7 s and decay time 0.83 s, demonstrating real-time light signal capture. The creation of an environmentally friendly, flexible substrate device suggests applications in wearable medical optoelectronic devices. Assessment across different bending radii shows a slightly reduced responsivity (7.75 mA W^–1) compared to the flat surface (7.9 mA W^–1). This study introduces an innovative, sustainable approach to optoelectronics, emphasizing the significance of natural materials in eco-friendly technological advancements.