Top sensitizers for highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) still survive as one of the promising low-cost photovoltaic third-generation technologies, addressing ‘secure, clean and efficient solar energy conversion’. Here we present and compare some recent state-of-the-art progress on the exploitation of the best artificial dyes for application in DSSCs. Furthermore, we provide an extensive discussion on the main limitations in the use of these dyes, outlining future developments for their use in bifacial employment exploring their frontal and back irradiation. We report also how to take advantage of the Albedo effect to boost power conversion efficiency. Finally, we present our view on the future prospective in the development of advanced materials for better DSSCs.