Ultraviolet (UV) detection is an important index, as UV rays can cause skin diseases in humans. To enhance the performance of UV photodetectors, we fabricated palladium nanoparticles-(Pd NPs) modified ZnO nanorods. The surface morphology is observed by using transmission electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The crystal structure is analysed by using X-ray diffraction. The optical property is investigated by using photoluminescence spectra. The Idark of the ZnO and Pd/ZnO

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... ples was 5.05 × 10 -8 and 2.24 × 10 -9 A when a 1 V bias was applied. On the other hand, the Iphoto of the ZnO and Pd/ZnO samples was 2.56 × 10 -6 and 4.38 × 10 -6 A when the sample is illuminated UV light (365 nm). The current ratio of Iphoto / Idark for the ZnO and Pd/ZnO samples was 50.8 and 1960, respectively. The enhanced performance of the Pd NPs can produce a strong electric field after light is absorbed via the localised surface plasmon resonance effect.