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Dehingia A, Das U, Gogoi HP, Borgohain KK, Patra S, Paul B, Roy A. Unraveling the Role of 2D Ti 3C 2T x MXene Nanosheets in Cu-Based Double Perovskite Active Layer for Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance. Small 2024:e2401179. [PMID: 38639026 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202401179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Although the atmospheric stability of lead-free inorganic double perovskite (DP) solar cells (PSCs) looks promising, their further development is hampered by inadequate film quality and non-radiative carrier recombination at the interfaces. Herein, the incorporation of a newly developed intriguing class of 2D material Ti3C2Tx MXene nanosheets with the photo-absorbing Cu2AgBiI6 (CABI) active layer of a fully inorganic solar cell is reported. The highly conductive Ti3C2Tx nanosheets work as a multi-functional additive by tuning the band gap, reducing the non-radiative carrier recombination, and inhibiting carrier accumulation. In addition, the presence of Ti3C2Tx MXene increases the surface free energy of the perovskite film, which elevates the energy barrier for nucleation and realizes a highly crystalline CABI perovskite film. Primarily, the MXene modification accelerates the charge extraction and transport at the interfaces of the active layer, utilizing energy level alignment with the charge transport layers. Consequently, the photo-conversion efficiency (PCE) of the device with MXene is substantially enhanced to 1.50%. Moreover, the 2D Ti3C2Tx nanosheets increased the long-term stability of the devices by retaining 70% of the initial PCE after 1680 h. With regard to relieving the severe carrier recombination at the interfaces, this work sets a new paradigm toward imminent solar energy conversion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Dehingia
- Microscience & Nanophysics Laboratory, Department of Physics, National Institute of Technology Silchar, Silchar, Assam, 788010, India
| | - Ujjal Das
- Quantum Materials & Devices Unit, Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Mohali, Punjab, 140306, India
| | - Himadri Priya Gogoi
- Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology Silchar, Silchar, Assam, 788010, India
| | - Karabi Kanchan Borgohain
- Microscience & Nanophysics Laboratory, Department of Physics, National Institute of Technology Silchar, Silchar, Assam, 788010, India
| | - Snigdha Patra
- Microscience & Nanophysics Laboratory, Department of Physics, National Institute of Technology Silchar, Silchar, Assam, 788010, India
| | - Bappi Paul
- School of Engineering and Technology, National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382007, India
| | - Asim Roy
- Microscience & Nanophysics Laboratory, Department of Physics, National Institute of Technology Silchar, Silchar, Assam, 788010, India
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Bati ASR, Jiang W, Chu R, Mallo N, Burn PL, Gentle IR, Shaw PE. Fluorinated Cation-Based 2D Perovskites for Efficient and Stable 3D/2D Heterojunction Perovskite Solar Cells. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023. [PMID: 38049378 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c13609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) containing additives capable of forming two-dimensional (2D) structures in neat films have attracted attention due to their ability to enhance power conversion efficiency (PCE) in combination with improved operational stability. Herein, a newly designed fluorinated ammonium salt, 2-(perfluorophenyl)ethanaminium bromide:chloride50:50 (FEABr:Cl50:50), is introduced into CsMAFAPbI3-based PSCs with a standard n-i-p architecture. FEABr:Cl50:50 was used as an additive in the tin(IV) oxide (SnO2) electron transporting layer (ETL) as well as a surface treatment for the perovskite film. Used in this dual way, the additive was found to passivate charge-trapping defects within the SnO2 ETL and regulate the crystal growth of the perovskite layer. When FEABr:Cl50:50 was deposited onto the surface of the 3D perovskite film, it formed a thin hydrophobic 2D capping layer. Adopting this dual strategy led to the perovskite film having larger grain sizes, improved quality, and overall better device performance. As a result, the best-performing device exhibited a PCE of over 23% with negligible hysteresis in an n-i-p device architecture with an area of 0.2 cm2. Furthermore, unencapsulated devices with the hydrophobic 2D capping layer showed improved stability compared to the control device when measured under continuous light irradiation at a maximum power point (MPP) at 80 ± 5 °C in a humid (≈50%) environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz S R Bati
- Centre for Organic Photonics & Electronics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Wei Jiang
- Centre for Organic Photonics & Electronics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Ronan Chu
- Centre for Organic Photonics & Electronics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Neil Mallo
- Centre for Organic Photonics & Electronics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Paul L Burn
- Centre for Organic Photonics & Electronics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Ian R Gentle
- Centre for Organic Photonics & Electronics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Paul E Shaw
- Centre for Organic Photonics & Electronics, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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Palei S, Murali G, Kim CH, In I, Lee SY, Park SJ. A Review on Interface Engineering of MXenes for Perovskite Solar Cells. Nanomicro Lett 2023; 15:123. [PMID: 37160615 PMCID: PMC10169986 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-023-01083-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
With an excellent power conversion efficiency of 25.7%, closer to the Shockley-Queisser limit, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become a strong candidate for a next-generation energy harvester. However, the lack of stability and reliability in PSCs remained challenging for commercialization. Strategies, such as interfacial and structural engineering, have a more critical influence on enhanced performance. MXenes, two-dimensional materials, have emerged as promising materials in solar cell applications due to their metallic electrical conductivity, high carrier mobility, excellent optical transparency, wide tunable work function, and superior mechanical properties. Owing to different choices of transition elements and surface-terminating functional groups, MXenes possess the feature of tuning the work function, which is an essential metric for band energy alignment between the absorber layer and the charge transport layers for charge carrier extraction and collection in PSCs. Furthermore, adopting MXenes to their respective components helps reduce the interfacial recombination resistance and provides smooth charge transfer paths, leading to enhanced conductivity and operational stability of PSCs. This review paper aims to provide an overview of the applications of MXenes as components, classified according to their roles as additives (into the perovskite absorber layer, charge transport layers, and electrodes) and themselves alone or as interfacial layers, and their significant importance in PSCs in terms of device performance and stability. Lastly, we discuss the present research status and future directions toward its use in PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srikanta Palei
- Department of Chemistry, Inha University, 100 Inharo, Incheon, 22212, South Korea
| | - G Murali
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Department of IT-Energy Convergence (BK21 Four), Chemical Industry Institute, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju, 27469, South Korea
| | - Choong-Hee Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Inha University, 100 Inharo, Incheon, 22212, South Korea
| | - Insik In
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Department of IT-Energy Convergence (BK21 Four), Chemical Industry Institute, Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju, 27469, South Korea.
| | - Seul-Yi Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Inha University, 100 Inharo, Incheon, 22212, South Korea.
| | - Soo-Jin Park
- Department of Chemistry, Inha University, 100 Inharo, Incheon, 22212, South Korea.
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Abstract
MXenes emerging as an amazing class of 2D layered materials, have drawn great attention in the past decade. Recent progress suggest that MXene-based materials have been widely explored as conductive electrodes for printed electronics, including electronic and optoelectronic devices, sensors, and energy storage systems. Here, the critical factors impacting device performance are comprehensively interpreted from the viewpoint of contact engineering, thereby giving a deep understanding of surface microstructures, contact defects, and energy level matching as well as their interaction principles. This review also summarizes the existing challenges of MXene inks and the related printing techniques, aiming at inspiring researchers to develop novel large-area and high-resolution printing integration methods. Moreover, to effectually tune the states of contact interface and meet the urgent demands of printed electronics, the significance of MXene contact engineering in reducing defects, matching energy levels, and regulating performance is highlighted. Finally, the printed electronics constructed by the collaborative combination of the printing process and contact engineering are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyun Wu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronic Materials and Thin-Film Technologies, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, P. R. China
| | - Shuiren Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronic Materials and Thin-Film Technologies, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, P. R. China
| | - Zijuan Hao
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronic Materials and Thin-Film Technologies, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, P. R. China
- Henan Innovation Center for Functional Polymer Membrane Materials, Xinxiang, 453000, P. R. China
| | - Xuying Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronic Materials and Thin-Film Technologies, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, P. R. China
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Macdonald TJ, Lanzetta L, Liang X, Ding D, Haque SA. Engineering Stable Lead-Free Tin Halide Perovskite Solar Cells: Lessons from Materials Chemistry. Adv Mater 2022:e2206684. [PMID: 36458662 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202206684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Substituting toxic lead with tin (Sn) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is the most promising route toward the development of high-efficiency lead-free devices. Despite the encouraging efficiencies of Sn-PSCs, they are still yet to surpass 15% and suffer detrimental oxidation of Sn(II) to Sn(IV). Since their first application in 2014, investigations into the properties of Sn-PSCs have contributed to a growing understanding of the mechanisms, both detrimental and complementary to their stability. This review summarizes the evolution of Sn-PSCs, including early developments to the latest state-of-the-art approaches benefitting the stability of devices. The degradation pathways associated with Sn-PSCs are first outlined, followed by describing how composition engineering (A, B site modifications), additive engineering (oxidation prevention), and interface engineering (passivation strategies) can be employed as different avenues to improve the stability of devices. The knowledge about these properties is also not limited to PSCs and also applicable to other types of devices now employing Sn-based perovskite absorber layers. A detailed analysis of the properties and materials chemistry reveals a clear set of design rules for the development of stable Sn-PSCs. Applying the design strategies highlighted in this review will be essential to further improve both the efficiency and stability of Sn-PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Macdonald
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, UK
- Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Luis Lanzetta
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, UK
- Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Xinxing Liang
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, UK
- Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Dong Ding
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, UK
- Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Saif A Haque
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, Wood Lane, W12 0BZ, UK
- Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
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Alhamada TF, Azmah Hanim MA, Jung DW, Saidur R, Nuraini A, Hasan WZW. MXene Based Nanocomposites for Recent Solar Energy Technologies. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2022; 12:3666. [PMID: 36296856 PMCID: PMC9609812 DOI: 10.3390/nano12203666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This article discusses the design and preparation of a modified MXene-based nanocomposite for increasing the power conversion efficiency and long-term stability of perovskite solar cells. The MXene family of materials among 2D nanomaterials has shown considerable promise in enhancing solar cell performance because of their remarkable surface-enhanced characteristics. Firstly, there are a variety of approaches to making MXene-reinforced composites, from solution mixing to powder metallurgy. In addition, their outstanding features, including high electrical conductivity, Young's modulus, and distinctive shape, make them very advantageous for composite synthesis. In contrast, its excellent chemical stability, electronic conductivity, tunable band gaps, and ion intercalation make it a promising contender for various applications. Photovoltaic devices, which turn sunlight into electricity, are an exciting new area of research for sustainable power. Based on an analysis of recent articles, the hydro-thermal method has been widely used for synthesizing MXene-based nano-composites because of the easiness of fabrication and low cost. Finally, we identify new perspectives for adjusting the performance of MXene for various nanocomposites by controlling the composition of the two-dimensional transition metal MXene phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. F. Alhamada
- Department of Scientific Affairs, Northern Technical University, Mosul 41001, Iraq
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - M. A. Azmah Hanim
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
- Advance Engineering Materials and Composites Research Center (AEMC), Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - D. W. Jung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jeju National University, 1 Ara 1-dong, Jeju 690-756, Korea
| | - R. Saidur
- Centre for Nano-Materials and Energy Technology (RCNMET), School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - A. Nuraini
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - W. Z. Wan Hasan
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, UPM, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
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He S, Lan Z, Zhang B, Gao Y, Shang L, Yue G, Chen S, Shen Z, Tan F, Wu J. Holistically Optimizing Charge Carrier Dynamics Enables High-Performance Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells and Photodetectors. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2022; 14:43576-43585. [PMID: 36102874 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c13009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Charge carrier events across organic electronics are ubiquitous, and the derived optimization plays a crucial effect on improving the performance of organic electronics. Herein, a two-dimensional material (Ti3C2Tx) is incorporated into titanium dioxide (TiO2) to impart the Ti3C2Tx/TiO2 hybrid film enriched hydroxy group distribution, defect-negligible surface, upshifted work function, and enhanced conductivity yet electron mobility versus the pristine TiO2 film. Therefore, intensified photon-harvesting ability, reduced charge carrier recombination, and efficient charge carrier collection are realized for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on the Ti3C2Tx/TiO2 hybrid photoanode relative to control ones. Consequently, the modified DSSCs based on Z907 deliver superior efficiencies of 10.39 and 29.68% under 100 mW/cm2 illumination and ∼1.9 mW/cm2 dim light, respectively, being the highest values of Z907-based DSSCs. However, control devices only obtain lower efficiencies of 8.06 and 23.91% when undergoing the abovementioned illumination. On the other hand, the self-powered homologous photodetectors with the hybrid film as an electron-transporting layer present enhanced detectivity (1.69 × 1011 Jones) and a shortened responsivity of 0.26 s versus that of control ones (1.39 × 1011 Jones and 0.35 s). Our work implies that the Ti3C2Tx/TiO2 hybrid film features high potential for improving the performance of organic electronics for its effect of holistically optimizing charge carrier dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghua He
- Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, P. R. China
| | - Zhang Lan
- Engineering Research Center of Environment-Friendly Functional Materials, Ministry of Education, Institute of Materials Physics and Chemistry, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
| | - Bo Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Low-Grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, CQU-NUS Renewable Energy Materials & Devices Joint Laboratory, School of Energy & Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Yueyue Gao
- Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, P. R. China
| | - Luwen Shang
- Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, P. R. China
| | - Gentian Yue
- Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, P. R. China
| | - Shanshan Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Low-Grade Energy Utilization Technologies and Systems, CQU-NUS Renewable Energy Materials & Devices Joint Laboratory, School of Energy & Power Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Zhitao Shen
- Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, P. R. China
| | - Furui Tan
- Key Laboratory of Photovoltaic Materials, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, P. R. China
| | - Jihuai Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Environment-Friendly Functional Materials, Ministry of Education, Institute of Materials Physics and Chemistry, Huaqiao University, Xiamen 361021, P. R. China
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Qamar S, Fatima K, Ullah N, Akhter Z, Waseem A, Sultan M. Recent progress in use of MXene in perovskite solar cells: for interfacial modification, work-function tuning and additive engineering. Nanoscale 2022; 14:13018-13039. [PMID: 36065967 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr02799b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The use of perovskites in photovoltaic and related industries has achieved tremendous success over the last decade. However, there are still obstacles to overcome in terms of boosting their performance and resolving stability issues for future commercialization. The introduction of a new 2D material of halide perovskites is now the key advancement in boosting the solar energy conversion efficiency. The implication of a new 2D material (MXene) in perovskite solar cells has been initiated since its first report in 2018, showing excellent transparency, electrical conductivity, carrier mobility, superior mechanical strength, and tunable work function. Based on distinctive features at the hetero-interface, halide perovskite and MXene heterostructures (HPs/Mx) have recently exhibited exceptional improvements in both the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells. Furthermore, the wide families of HPs and MXene materials allow playing with the composition and functionalities of HP/Mx interfaces by applying rational designing and alterations. In this review a comprehensive study of implementing MXenes in perovskite solar cells is presented. First, the implementation of MXenes in perovskites as an additive, and then in charge extraction layers (HTL/ETL), is described in detail. It is worth noting that still only Ti3C2Tx, Nb2CTx,V2CTx MXene is being incorporated into perovskite photovoltaics. Finally, the present obstacles in the use of MXenes in PSCS are discussed, along with the future research potential. This review is expected to provide a complete and in-depth description of the current state of research and to open up new opportunities for the study of other MXenes in PSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samina Qamar
- Department of Chemistry, Quaid-I-Azam University Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan.
| | - Kalsoom Fatima
- Department of Chemistry, Quaid-I-Azam University Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan.
| | - Naimat Ullah
- Department of Chemistry, Quaid-I-Azam University Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan.
| | - Zareen Akhter
- Department of Chemistry, Quaid-I-Azam University Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan.
| | - Amir Waseem
- Department of Chemistry, Quaid-I-Azam University Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Sultan
- National Center for physics Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
- Department of Physics, Kohsar University Murree, 47150, Pakistan
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Ali I, Faraz Ud Din M, Gu Z. MXenes Thin Films: From Fabrication to Their Applications. Molecules 2022; 27:4925. [PMID: 35956874 PMCID: PMC9370612 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27154925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Two-dimensional MXenes possessed exceptional physiochemical properties such as high electrical conductivity (20,000 Scm−1), flexibility, mechanical strength (570 MPa), and hydrophilic surface functionalities that have been widely explored for energy storage, sensing, and catalysis applications. Recently, the fabrication of MXenes thin films has attracted significant attention toward electronic devices and sensor applications. This review summarizes the exciting features of MXene thin film fabrication methods such as vacuum-assisted filtration (VAF), electrodeposition techniques, spin coating, spray coating, dip-coating methods, and other physical/chemical vapor deposition methods. Furthermore, a comparison between different methods available for synthesizing a variety of MXenes films was discussed in detail. This review further summarizes fundamental aspects and advances of MXenes thin films in solar cells, batteries, electromagnetic interference shielding, sensing, etc., to date. Finally, the challenges and opportunities in terms of future research, development, and applications of MXenes-based films are discussed. A comprehensive understanding of these competitive features and challenges shall provide guidelines and inspiration for further growth in MXenes-based functional thin films and contribute to the advances in MXenes technology.
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Muthukrishnan AP, Lee J, Kim J, Kim CS, Jo S. Low-temperature solution-processed SnO2 electron transport layer modified by oxygen plasma for planar perovskite solar cells. RSC Adv 2022; 12:4883-4890. [PMID: 35425508 PMCID: PMC8981385 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra08946c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
SnO2 has attracted significant attention as an electron transport layer (ETL) because of its wide optical bandgap, electron mobility, and transparency. However, the annealing temperature of 180 °C–200 °C, as reported by several studies, for the fabrication of SnO2 ETL limits its application for flexible devices. Herein, we demonstrated that the low-temperature deposition of SnO2 ETL and further surface modification with oxygen plasma enhances its efficiency from 2.3% to 15.30%. Oxygen plasma treatment improves the wettability of the low-temperature processed SnO2 ETL that results in a larger perovskite grain size. Hence, oxygen plasma treatment effectively improves the efficiency of perovskite solar cells at a low temperature and is compatible with flexible applications. A simple and effective oxygen plasma treatment on low-temperature deposited SnO2 electron transport layer was demonstrated.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Junyeoung Lee
- School of Energy Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongbok Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, Gumi 39177, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Su Kim
- Department of Advanced Functional Thin Films, Surface Technology Division, Korea Institute of Materials Science, 797 Changwondaero, Sungsan-Gu, Changwon, Gyeongnam 51508, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungjin Jo
- School of Energy Engineering, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
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Macdonald TJ, Clancy AJ, Xu W, Jiang Z, Lin CT, Mohan L, Du T, Tune DD, Lanzetta L, Min G, Webb T, Ashoka A, Pandya R, Tileli V, McLachlan MA, Durrant JR, Haque SA, Howard CA. Phosphorene Nanoribbon-Augmented Optoelectronics for Enhanced Hole Extraction. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:21549-21559. [PMID: 34919382 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c08905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Phosphorene nanoribbons (PNRs) have been widely predicted to exhibit a range of superlative functional properties; however, because they have only recently been isolated, these properties are yet to be shown to translate to improved performance in any application. PNRs show particular promise for optoelectronics, given their predicted high exciton binding energies, tunable bandgaps, and ultrahigh hole mobilities. Here, we verify the theorized enhanced hole mobility in both solar cells and space-charge-limited-current devices, demonstrating the potential for PNRs improving hole extraction in universal optoelectronic applications. Specifically, PNRs are demonstrated to act as an effective charge-selective interlayer by enhancing hole extraction from polycrystalline methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) perovskite to the poly(triarylamine) semiconductor. Introducing PNRs at the hole-transport/MAPbI3 interface achieves fill factors above 0.83 and efficiencies exceeding 21% for planar p-i-n (inverted) perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Such efficiencies are typically only reported for single-crystalline MAPbI3-based inverted PSCs. Methylammonium-free PSCs also benefit from a PNR interlayer, verifying applicability to architectures incorporating mixed perovskite absorber layers. Device photoluminescence and transient absorption spectroscopy are used to demonstrate that the presence of the PNRs drives more effective carrier extraction. Isolation of the PNRs in space-charge-limited-current hole-only devices improves both hole mobility and conductivity, demonstrating applicability beyond PSCs. This work provides primary experimental evidence that the predicted superlative functional properties of PNRs indeed translate to improved optoelectronic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Macdonald
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom.,Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon St., London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom.,School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Adam J Clancy
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon St., London WC1H 0AJ, United Kingdom.,Department of Physics & Astronomy, University College London, Gower St., London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Weidong Xu
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Zhongyao Jiang
- Department of Materials and Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Chieh-Ting Lin
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Lokeshwari Mohan
- Department of Materials and Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom.,School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, United Kingdom
| | - Tian Du
- Department of Materials and Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel D Tune
- International Solar Energy Research Center Konstanz, Rudolf-Diesel-Straße 15, D-78467 Konstanz, Germany
| | - Luis Lanzetta
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Ganghong Min
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Webb
- Advanced Technology Institute, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Arjun Ashoka
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, CB3 0HE Cambridge, U.K
| | - Raj Pandya
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J.J. Thomson Avenue, CB3 0HE Cambridge, U.K
| | - Vasiliki Tileli
- Institute of Materials, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Martyn A McLachlan
- Department of Materials and Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - James R Durrant
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom.,SPECIFIC IKC, College of Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea SA2 7AX, United Kingdom
| | - Saif A Haque
- Department of Chemistry and Centre for Processable Electronics, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher A Howard
- Department of Physics & Astronomy, University College London, Gower St., London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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Alhamada TF, Azmah Hanim MA, Jung DW, Nuraini AA, Hasan WZW. A Brief Review of the Role of 2D Mxene Nanosheets toward Solar Cells Efficiency Improvement. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2021; 11:2732. [PMID: 34685175 PMCID: PMC8541472 DOI: 10.3390/nano11102732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
This article discusses the application of two-dimensional metal MXenes in solar cells (SCs), which has attracted a lot of interest due to their outstanding transparency, metallic electrical conductivity, and mechanical characteristics. In addition, some application examples of MXenes as an electrode, additive, and electron/hole transport layer in perovskite solar cells are described individually, with essential research issues highlighted. Firstly, it is imperative to comprehend the conversion efficiency of solar cells and the difficulties of effectively incorporating metal MXenes into the building blocks of solar cells to improve stability and operational performance. Based on the analysis of new articles, several ideas have been generated to advance the exploration of the potential of MXene in SCs. In addition, research into other relevant MXene suitable in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is required to enhance the relevant work. Therefore, we identify new perspectives to achieve solar cell power conversion efficiency with an excellent quality-cost ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. F. Alhamada
- Northern Technical University, Mosul 41001, Iraq;
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - M. A. Azmah Hanim
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
- Advanced Engineering Materials and Composites Research Center (AEMC), Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - D. W. Jung
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Jeju National University, 1 Ara 1-dong, Jeju 690-756, Korea
| | - A. A. Nuraini
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - W. Z. Wan Hasan
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia;
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Shah SAA, Sayyad MH, Khan K, Sun J, Guo Z. Application of MXenes in Perovskite Solar Cells: A Short Review. Nanomaterials (Basel) 2021; 11:2151. [PMID: 34443979 PMCID: PMC8401012 DOI: 10.3390/nano11082151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Application of MXene materials in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has attracted considerable attention owing to their supreme electrical conductivity, excellent carrier mobility, adjustable surface functional groups, excellent transparency and superior mechanical properties. This article reviews the progress made so far in using Ti3C2Tx MXene materials in the building blocks of perovskite solar cells such as electrodes, hole transport layer (HTL), electron transport layer (ETL) and perovskite photoactive layer. Moreover, we provide an outlook on the exciting opportunities this recently developed field offers, and the challenges faced in effectively incorporating MXene materials in the building blocks of PSCs for better operational stability and enhanced performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Afaq Ali Shah
- School of Electrical Engineering & Intelligentization, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, China; (S.A.A.S.); (K.K.); (J.S.)
| | - Muhammad Hassan Sayyad
- Advanced Photovoltaic Research Labs (APRL), Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Topi, District Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 23640, Pakistan;
| | - Karim Khan
- School of Electrical Engineering & Intelligentization, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, China; (S.A.A.S.); (K.K.); (J.S.)
| | - Jinghua Sun
- School of Electrical Engineering & Intelligentization, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, China; (S.A.A.S.); (K.K.); (J.S.)
| | - Zhongyi Guo
- School of Electrical Engineering & Intelligentization, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan 523808, China; (S.A.A.S.); (K.K.); (J.S.)
- School of Computer and Information, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
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