Reproducible 2D Ti3C2Tx for perovskite-based photovoltaic device

Abstract

Ti₃C₂T_x (T_x denotes terminal group), resulting from two-dimensional (2D) Mxenes, has attracted significant attention due to energy shortage and catalysis. Herein, we present reproducible 2D Ti₃C₂T_x obtained from commercial bulk Ti₃AlC₂ using a cost-effective and environment-friendly approach. Both etching and exfoliation processes were investigated with the rational selection of etchant, reaction time and exfoliation solution. The hydrofluoric acid (HF) etchant plays a key role in the production of 2D Ti₃C₂T_x and therefore the recycling of HF is addressed for reproducible 2D MXenes. Hazardous HF waste was also neutralized via CaF₂ precipitation according to the regulations for HF sewage. Equally important, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was employed to promote the exfoliation of multilayer Ti₃C₂T_x MXenes into Ti₃C₂T_x nanosheets in an aqueous solution, which can couple with terminal groups and protect the exfoliated single-layers from recombination, facilitating interface passivation toward perovskite solar devices. The resulting perovskite solar cell exhibited striking improvements to achieve champion efficiency, with a PCE of 19.11%, which accounts for ∼9% enhancement as compared to pristine devices.