An Overview of the Operational Principles, Light Harvesting and Trapping Technologies, and Recent Advances of the Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (Review)

Abstract

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) which fall under the category of the third generation solar cells have been extensively studied because of the presume low cost, simple methods of preparation, low levels of toxicity and ease of manufacturing. However, due to their low conversion efficiency: relatively low performance compares with other photovoltaic devices, and unpromising-long-term stability, this hampers it usage on a commercial or industrial scale. The highest efficiency ever recorded for a DSSC material was about 12% using Ru(II) dyes when its material and structural properties were optimized. However, this efficiency is less when compared to the efficiencies of the first and second generation of solar cells, (thin-film solar cells and first generation (Si-based) solar cells) whose efficiency were about 20–30%. This article therefore provides an overview of the operational principles, light harvesting and trapping technologies, and recent advancesof the DSSCs. We highlighted the reasons it should be given much research attention, some improved light harvesting and trapping technology, operating principle, component of DSSC and lastly, the highlight of the future prospective alongside the need to revisit the associated problems of low stability, scalability, and low efficiency.