Abstract
MXenes are a class of two-dimensional nanomaterials with exceptional tailor-made properties, making them promising candidates for a wide variety of critical applications from energy systems, optics, electromagnetic interference shielding to those advanced sensors, and medical devices. Owing to its mechano-ceramic nature, MXenes have superior thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties. Recently, MXene-based materials are being extensively explored for solar cell applications wherein materials with superior sustainability, performance, and efficiency have been developed in demand to reduce the manufacturing cost of the present solar cell materials as well as enhance the productivity, efficiency, and performance of the MXene-based materials for solar energy harvesting. It is aimed in this review to study those MXenes employed in solar technologies, and in terms of the layout of the current paper, those 2D materials candidates used in solar cell applications are briefly reviewed and discussed, and then the fabrication methods are introduced. The key synthesis methods of MXenes, as well as the electrical, optical, and thermoelectric properties, are explained before those research efforts studying MXenes in solar cell materials are comprehensively discussed. It is believed that the use of MXene in solar technologies is in its infancy stage and many research efforts are yet to be performed on the current pitfalls to fill the existing voids.
Highlights
The sun is one of the most significant sustainable energy resources, and harnessing as much energy as possible has always been demanded, as the other energy sources, such as fossil fuels, are limited
We summarize and highlight some recent representative investigations regarding the fabrication processes of these two mentioned solar cells based on 2D materials
MXenes are a class of two-dimensional material that have a wide variety of applications ranging from sensing to advanced energy systems owing to exceptional tailor-made properties
Summary
The sun is one of the most significant sustainable energy resources, and harnessing as much energy as possible has always been demanded, as the other energy sources, such as fossil fuels, are limited. One hour of the sun’s power to the Earth could satisfy global energy demands for one year; the most critical drawback of common solar systems has been the relatively high costs. Initial costs, such as panels, inverters, batteries, and other installation expenses, are yet to be addressed. Solar energy systems have a wide variety of applications with low maintenance costs ranging from satellites in space to water distillation processes. The third-generation solar cells are going to make way for the breakthrough, cost-effective solar materials using nanomaterials. Replacing conventional materials with those novel 2D nanosheets with high aspect ratios and electrical conductivity would be a fundamental breakthrough in solar cell technologies. Those research efforts on MXenes in solar cell applications have comprehensively and critically been reviewed and discussed to fill the existing voids for future research
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