Journal article Water Adsorption‐Induced Color Sensor: Insight Into the Sensing Mechanism and Interfacial Engineering for Improved Responsiveness
Tai Kobayashi (author) (Search by this author)
;
Ryosuke Nishikubo (author) (Search by this author)
;
Yusuke Tomiyori (author) (Search by this author)
;
Fumitaka Ishiwari (author) (Search by this author)
;
Daisuke Asakura (author) (Search by this author)
;
Eiji Hosono (author) (Search by this author)
;
Miho Kitamura (author) (Search by this author)
;
Hisao Kiuchi (author) (Search by this author)
ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9139-8218 (unauthenticated)
National Institute for Materials Science
ORCID ;
Yoshihisa Harada (author) (Search by this author)
;
Akinori Saeki (author) (Search by this author)
Adv Funct Materials - 2026 - Kobayashi - Water Adsorption‐Induced Color Sensor Insight Into the Sensing Mechanism and.pdf
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Tai Kobayashi, Ryosuke Nishikubo, Yusuke Tomiyori, Fumitaka Ishiwari, Daisuke Asakura, Eiji Hosono, Miho Kitamura, Hisao Kiuchi, Yoshihisa Harada, Akinori Saeki. Water Adsorption‐Induced Color Sensor: Insight Into the Sensing Mechanism and Interfacial Engineering for Improved Responsiveness. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS. 2026, 36 (67), . https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.76809

Description:

(abstract)

Color-sensitive photodetectors are at the forefront of next-generation light- and image-sensing research. In this context, a photovoltaic device employing SbSI:Sb2S3 and TiO2 as the visible light absorber and electron transport material, respectively, exhibits a unique wavelength-dependent photovoltage effect and its reversible output in response to changing humidity levels. However, the specific functions of the individual layers of the device and their interaction with water remain largely unknown. In this study, we perform in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) of thin films under humidity-controlled conditions to reveal the interaction between water and the photovoltaic layers. The oxygen K-edge XAS data reveal the adsorption of water molecules onto TiO2. Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of TiO2 can trigger photochemical reactions of the adsorbed water at the interface, which is considered to contribute to changes in the photovoltage. Based on this finding, we introduce hydrophilic layers between TiO2 and SbSI:Sb2S3 to promote the accumulation of water in the devices, which successfully enhance both the wavelength sensitivity and response speed. Finally, we demonstrate color recognition with various irradiation intensities, thereby broadening the scope and applications of unique wavelength-responsive single-cell photovoltaics.

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Keyword: antimony, color-sensing, photodetector, photovoltaics, TiO2

Date published: 2026-07-23

Publisher: Wiley

Journal:

  • ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS (ISSN: 16163028) vol. 36 issue. 67

Funding:

  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science P24H00484
  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science JP23K13826
  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science JP25K01857
  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science JP20H05836
  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science JP19H05717
  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science JP22H04541
  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science JP22H05145
  • Japan Society for the Promotion of Science JP23H04626
  • Japan Science and Technology Agency JPMJCR23O2
  • Japan Science and Technology Agency JPMJSP2138
  • Mazda Foundation
  • Yashima Environment Technology Foundation

Manuscript type: Publisher's version (Version of record)

MDR DOI:

First published URL: https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.76809

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Updated at: 2026-08-24 11:11:51 +0900

Published on MDR: 2026-08-24 12:27:04 +0900

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