Nanostructured photoanode materials and their deposition methods for efficient and economical third generation dye-sensitized solar cells: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Energy demand and its usage are globally increasing day by day. Currently, the sources of global energy are mainly sustained by fossil fuels. However, acquiring energy directly from the fossil fuel is not the most appropriate and sustainable way, because it results in the depletion of natural resources as well as it is also the main cause of CO2 emission. Renewable energy is the most appropriate and sustainable way to fulfill the growing energy demand, which can also be the source of sustainable power generation. Solar energy has sublime environmental advantages as compared to other sources of energy and will not produce any CO2 rich emissions. Photovoltaic cells directly convert solar energy into electrical energy. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are a part of thin-film photovoltaic technology. Because of their low-cost, easy processing, and stability, they are especially suited for wireless sensor networks, electronic signs, computer peripherals, and wearable electronics. The photovoltaic performance of DSSCs depends on the light-harvesting efficiency (LHE), charge transport, charge injection, charge collection, and charge recombination rate. These parameters are affected by type, morphology, composition, and deposition methods of photoanode materials. In this review, all these parameters and their effect on the performance of DSSCs will be discussed in detail. This review will cover the whole aspect of photoanode materials for DSSCs applications.