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Precursor-Stage Electronic and Stacking-Coherence Modulation of Layered PbI2 via In Situ Ti3C2T x MXene
Dagoberto Cabrera-German1, Luis Armando Urias-Zavala1, Lorenzo Fuentes-Ríos1
1Departamento de Investigación en Polímeros y Materiales, Universidad de Sonora, Blvd Luis Encinas y Rosales s/n Sonora, Hermosillo 83000, México.
This study demonstrates that MXene (Ti3C2Tx) can be incorporated into lead iodide (PbI2) precursor films, tuning its local structure and electronic properties without disrupting the crystal framework. This MXene integration offers a new pathway for engineering halide precursors for advanced materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Lead iodide (PbI2) is a crucial precursor in perovskite solar cell fabrication.
- The local structure and electronic environment of PbI2 can significantly impact the final perovskite material properties.
- Current methods often treat PbI2 as a transient phase, overlooking its potential for precursor-level engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in situ incorporation of MXene (Ti3C2Tx) into PbI2 precursor films.
- To understand how MXene affects the local structure, electronic environment, and morphology of PbI2.
- To explore the potential of MXene-modified PbI2 as an engineerable precursor for perovskite materials.
Main Methods:
- Sequential dynamic spin-coating using a water/ethanol system.
- Profilometry for film thickness and roughness analysis.
- Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS).
- X-ray diffraction (XRD) for structural analysis.
- Raman spectroscopy for vibrational properties.
- X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for electronic structure.
- Optical absorption and photoluminescence measurements.
Main Results:
- MXene (Ti3C2Tx) was successfully incorporated into PbI2 films without disrupting the 2H-PbI2 framework.
- Film roughness and surface morphology evolved with MXene loading, with Ti-rich regions observed.
- XRD confirmed the preservation of the 2H structure, while Raman and XPS indicated modifications in the local Pb-I environment.
- Optical measurements showed preserved absorption but photoluminescence quenching and altered photoelectrical response due to MXene.
Conclusions:
- MXene (Ti3C2Tx) can be integrated into PbI2 precursors, modifying their local structure and electronic properties.
- This MXene incorporation tunes the PbI2 precursor without altering its fundamental crystal structure.
- PbI2 can be viewed as an engineerable precursor, with its morphology and electronic characteristics tunable via MXene addition before perovskite conversion.
