Boosting efficiency and long-lifespan in perovskite solar cells via 2D-MXene/Janus MoSSe integration

Organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have shown great promise for achieving high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). Nevertheless, the short lifespan and stability of these devices impede their commercialization. In order to tackle these difficulties, optimizing charge carrier transport at the electron transport layer (ETL) -perovskite junction has become more prominent by utilizing 2D materials. These materials possess exceptional conductivity, temperature tolerance, and adjustable work function, all of which have a substantial influence on the dynamics of charge carriers. This study presents an uncomplicated and high-performing approach to simultaneously enhance the performance and durability of PSCs by incorporating 2D-MXene/MoSSe into a mesoporous TiO 2 (mp-TiO 2 ) electron transfer buffer layer through interface engineering. The fabricated cell with configuration of FTO/C-TiO 2 /m-TiO 2 /MoSSe@ MXene@TiO 2 /CH 3 NH 3 PI 3 /Spiro-OMeTAD/Au with functional area of 1.7 cm 2 exhibited substantial enhancement in PCE, increasing from 13.5 % in the reference device (based on pristine m-TiO 2 ETL) to 13.5 %. Notably, this modification not only boosted PCE by approximately 32 % but also significantly improved device lifetime. The improved efficiency of the devices using C-TiO 2 /m-TiO 2 / MoSSe@MXene@TiO 2 ETL is due to multiple factors: The incorporation of MoSSe@MXene@TiO 2 in the mp-TiO 2 ETL buffer reduces its work function, resulting in an improved ETL/perovskite interface. This leads to facilitated charge extraction and suppressed surface recombination. Additionally, the highly crystalline nature of 2D-MXene and MoSSe enhances electron transport, enabling accelerated charge collection. Furthermore, the enhanced moisture stability of 2D- contributes to improved device lifetime. • Enhanced device stability: Demonstrated improved device lifespan through the use of 2D-MXene/Janus MoSSe in the ETL. • Augmented ETL/perovskite interface: Reduced function of the ETL, easing charge extraction and defeating surface recombination. • Effective charge transfer: Leveraged the highly crystalline nature of 2D-MXene and Janus MoSSe to hasten charge extraction. • Novel combination: Effectively integration of 2D-MXene/Janus MoSSe into a mesoporous TiO2 ETL for improved PSC performance.