The evolution of organic materials for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

In the past three decades, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have gained increased recognition as a potential substitute for inexpensive photovoltaic (PV) devices, and their maximum efficiency has grown from 7% to 14.3%. Recent developments in DSSCs have attracted a plethora of research activities geared at realizing their full potential. DSSCs have seen a revival as the finest technology for specific applications with unique features such as low-cost, non-toxic, colourful, transparent, ease of fabrication, flexibility, and efficient indoor light operation. Several organic materials are being explored and employed in DSSCs to enhance their performance, robustness, and lower production costs to be viable alternatives in the solar cell markets. This review provides a concise summary of the developments in the field over the past decade, with a special focus on the incorporation of organic materials into DSSCs. It covers all elements of the DSSC technology, including practical approaches and novel materials. Finally, the emerging applications of DSSCs, and their future promise are also discussed.