Effect of temperature on the photovoltaic performance and stability of solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells: A review

Abstract

Temperature is probably the most important outdoor variable that affects the photovoltaic performance of the dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Overall stability of DSSCs depends on the properties of charge mediator (electrolyte) between photoanode and counter electrode. The liquid electrolytes show high power efficiency owing to their high dielectric constants to dissolve many ionic salts and additives. However, they may limit the outdoor applications in high temperature region, due to their low boiling points (highly volatile). The objective of this study is to highlight the prospects of solid state dye-sensitized solar cells and its benefit in higher temperature environment. The current review is comprised of four sections. In the first section (introduction), the effect of temperature on the conventional and solid-sate DSSCs is briefly described. In the second section, the mechanism of solid-state DSSCs is explained. Third section we covered recent advances in ss-DSSCs in detail. Finally, the scope of DSSCs in high temperature environment critically analyzed in section four.