Optimal processing methodology for futuristic natural dye-sensitized solar cells and novel applications

Abstract

Natural dye-based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have unrivalled benefits in cost-effective and environmentally benign photovoltaic applications. The major advantages of such natural dye-based DSSCs are eco-friendly, impressive low-light performance, renewable and clean energy output, and adaptable solar product integration. Although DSSCs that employ natural dyes as a photosensitizer has several benefits, they perform poorly compared to synthetic dyes based-DSSCs and standard Si-solar cells in terms of efficiency. Additionally, there is a problem in making them into useful devices for meeting daily energy needs. This review will illustrate how to improve the parameters that must be matched for the fabrication of DSSCs that use natural dyes as sensitizers to operate more effectively. The significance of the selection strategy for creating the DSSC has been also considered in this review. The total effectiveness of the device is noticeably impacted by the choice of plant components. As a result, a thorough analysis of the plant's components that have produced superior outcomes in terms of PCE has been done. Additionally, a variety of methods and elements, including extraction strategies, the solvent employed, coating strategies, immersion time, and co-sensitization, have been taken into consideration from studies in the last ten years to investigate their impact on the global performance of the DSSC device. Finally, an overview of recent developments in DSSC science is provided. It is observed that using Clathrin protein (cow brain) results in an efficiency of 1.45%, which is noticeably lower than the 9.9% efficiency reported by Ag nanoparticles doped with graphene followed by some other novel approaches. Future viewpoints have also been considered, including the employment of DSSCs in wearable technology, the application of numerous approaches to improve the PCE of DSSCs using natural dyes, and DSSCs capacity for thermochromism. © 2022