Key Materials and Fabrication Strategies for High-Performance Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Comprehensive Comparison and Perspective

For more than three decades, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted numerous researchers as viable alternatives in photovoltaic technology. It offers several advantages, such as using eco-friendly materials, inexpensive processing techniques, indoor photovoltaic potentials, and integrating photovoltaics into building applications. Nevertheless, DSSCs will require further development in manufacturing methods and materials to remain competitive with other thin-film solar technologies that offer high photovoltaic efficiency. It is essential to give an overview of the latest developments in this area and highlight the primary elements required for realizing high-performance technologies, such as photoanode modification, dye formulation, and electrolyte optimization. Recent advancements have shown promising improvements in DSSCs with copper-based electrolytes, and integrating new interface materials like preadsorbents or postadsorbents has also opened new possibilities for DSSCs. Here, we comprehensively compare and discuss the key materials and device fabrication processes for high-performance DSSCs and present future research perspectives.