Multilayered 2D Ti₃C₂T_<i>X</i>‑MXene: Best Interfacial Passivating Agent for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with <i>V</i>_OC Approaching 1 V

Harnessing solar energy through advanced photovoltaic technologies requires addressing persistent challenges, such as high recombination rates, surface defects, limited electron transport efficiency, and interface incompatibilities. This study examines the impact of interfacial passivation strategies using multilayered Ti₃C₂T_X-MXene, TiCl₄, toluene, and chlorobenzene on improving dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) performance. This strategy provides superior surface uniformity, reduced charge-transfer resistance, and enhanced charge transport, surpassing conventional doping and heterostructure formation methods. This innovative passivation technique significantly improved the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.83% in FTO/c-TiO₂/MX-TNRs/N719/(I^–/I₃^–)/Carbon-structured champion DSSC, compared to 3.42% for the FTO/c-TiO₂/B-TNRs/N719/(I^–/I₃^–)/Carbon-structured DSSCs. The enhanced performance of DSSCs is corroborated by a 57% reduction in the average surface roughness (<i>R</i>_a) and an 82% decrease in charge-transfer resistance (<i>R</i>_CT). Reduced <i>R</i>_a minimizes recombination sites and improves light absorption, while lower <i>R</i>_CT extends the electron lifetime and enhances charge transport, effectively reducing recombination rates. This approach demonstrates significant potential of innovative passivation strategies in DSSC, achieving a <i>V</i>_OC > 1 V.