Leveraging on Green Energy Harvesting via Dye Sensitized Solar Cells; Their Components, Operations and Graphene Based Electrodes

Renewable Energy

One possible technological development in solar cells is thought to be dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The energy-producing method employed by DSSCs is similar to that of plant cells and is based on the photo-electrochemical moments of electrons that are brought about by the interaction of photon energy and chemical reaction. Synthetic dyes that are employed as sensitizers in DSSCs have higher efficiency and longer endurance, but they also have drawbacks such the use of rare metallic components that are vulnerable to environmental degradation. As a result, researchers are experimenting with natural alternative sensitizers that are biocompatible. Plant pigments like carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and chlorophyll are in charge of the chemical reactions in these natural sensitizers. Therefore, it is relatively easy to extract dyes containing this pigment from natural sources such as flowers, seeds, and leaves, among others. The structure and functioning of DSSCs are the main topics of this review. This review focuses on the structure and operations of DSSCs. Components of DSSCs photosensitizers, photo-anodes and counter electrodes and their functions have been outlined. Detailed summary of synthetic dye based DSSCs carried out by different groups, have also been reviewed. Details of numerous plant pigments found in plant-based products that are employed as sensitizers in DSSCs have been collated and explained. Open circuit voltage (V_oc), short circuit current (I_sc), fill factor (FF), and efficiency (η) based on both synthetic and natural dye have also been reported as DSSC performance metrics. Leveraging on the photosensitizers and maximizing on the working electrodes and counter electrodes, DSSCs would serve as the best alternative to meet the world energy demand.