MXene-Integrated Metal Oxide Transparent Photovoltaics and Self-Powered Photodetectors

Abstract

MXene-integrated photovoltaic devices can be used to create optically transparent systems to produce electrical energy. MXenes, an emerging family of two-dimensional materials, have attracted a tremendous amount of interest for their use in various applications. In particular, their optical transparency, metallic conductivity, and large-scale processing make MXenes highly applicable in transparent photovoltaic devices (TPVDs). Here we propose a Ti3C2T x MXene-based inorganic TPVD. Reducing the sheet resistance of MXene and improving its contact with the metal oxide (NiO/TiO2) heterojunction enables the generation of electric power (30 μW cm–2) from ultraviolet light while selectively passing visible light for high-transparency (39.73%). Moreover, the photovoltaic effect induces a high photovoltage of 0.45 V to enable the TPVD to work in self-powered mode. The MXene-embedded transparent photodetector works in photovoltaic mode and has a fast response speed of 80 μs and high detectivity of 1.6 × 1010 Jones. The spacing of the MXene-transparent devices at color-neutral coordinates in color maps indicates the invisibility of the device. This work demonstrates the large-scale application of MXene as a seamless platform for transparent electronics of photovoltaics and photodetectors. Transparent photoelectric interfaces can be used for energy generation; in bioelectronics; and in windows of building, vehicles, and displays.

A Review on MXene Synthesis, Stability, and Photocatalytic Applications

“…However, the intercalation of NH 3 and NH 4 + species further enhanced the light transmittance of the Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene films (Figure (c)) . Further, the absorbance of the Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene films linearly increased, irrespective of the light wavelength, with increasing the film thickness ,− (Figure (c,d)). Fascinatingly, the MXene films’ transparency is tunable through chemical and electrochemical intercalation of organic and inorganic cations, which is promising for electrochromic application. − These excellent optical properties of MXenes enable them to be applicable in a variety of photonic and electronic devices …”

Ti3C2Tx MXene: A New Promising 2D Material for Optoelectronics

“…Figure 7a shows the energy-band diagram of a Ti 3 C 2 /Si heterojunction before and after interfacial modification. In 2022 Nguyen et al 147 fabricated a fully transparent MXeneintegrated metal oxide based self-powered photodetector. In this work, reducing the sheet resistance of MXene and improving its contact with the metal oxide (NiO/TiO 2 ) heterojunction produces an electric power of 30 μW cm −2 from UV light while selectively passing visible light with a transparency of 39.73%.…”

Self-Powered Ultraviolet–Visible Transparent Photodetector Based on Mo-Doped BiVO4 Thin Films

“…Ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) photodetectors (PDs) are the backbone of modern optoelectronic devices, which convert light energy into an electrical signal. UV–vis PDs are essential for wide-spectrum detection and optical communication, biomedical imaging, military defense systems, and flame detection. − Conventionally, PDs depend on an external power supply, which limits their application in reality. − In this context, self-powered UV–vis broadband PDs are drawing huge attention in the research field due to their wide range of self-powered detection, lower energy consumption, and easy integrability into optoelectronic devices. − However, most of the developed self-powered PDs are opaque in the visible light, which deters their wide application in daily life. To overcome this problem, the fabrication of self-powered transparent PDs (TPDs) is necessary, which are also essential for see-through optoelectronic devices. − …”