MXenes in Perovskite Solar Cells: Emerging Applications and Performance Enhancements

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation photovoltaic technology due to their remarkable power-conversion efficiencies (PCEs). Since their introduction, the PCE of PSCs has advanced from 3.8% to over 26%. Nonetheless, challenges pertaining to stability and reliability continue to impede their commercial viability. Recent progress in interface engineering and materials science has underscored the potential of two-dimensional (2D) materials, particularly MXenes, in mitigating these challenges. MXenes represent a class of two-dimensional materials with significant potential for application in PSCs, attributed to their exceptional electrical conductivity, high carrier mobility, remarkable optical transparency, chemical stability, and tunable surface chemical properties. When employed as electron transport layers, MXenes enhance charge transfer and extraction efficiency, leading to substantial improvements in PCEs. Furthermore, their integration into hole transport layers and use as interfacial modifiers contribute to the mitigation of degradation pathways, thereby enhancing device longevity. The unique structural and electronic characteristics of MXenes facilitate their application as transparent electrodes, presenting opportunities for cost reduction and improved optical properties. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current advancements in MXene-based PSCs, emphasizing significant accomplishments and exploring future research directions aimed at enhancing the efficiency and stability of these devices.