Lessons learned: from dye-sensitized solar cells to all-solid-state hybrid devices

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy
• Photovoltaics

Background:

• Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are a long-standing area of research for future energy generation.
• Recent advancements in inorganic absorber-based devices have led to record efficiencies.
• All-solid-state solar cells offer distinct advantages for practical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent developments in all-solid-state solar cells.
• To focus on key components including electrode architecture, sensitizers, and hole-transporting materials.
• To discuss concepts applicable to various next-generation photovoltaic platforms.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent advancements in solution-processed photovoltaic cells.
• Analysis of electrode architecture in all-solid-state devices.
• Evaluation of alternative sensitizers and hole-transporting materials.

Main Results:

• Inorganic absorber-based devices have achieved record efficiencies.
• Progress has been made in optimizing electrode architecture for enhanced performance.
• Newer sensitizers and hole-transporting materials are improving device stability and efficiency.

Conclusions:

• All-solid-state solar cells represent a promising avenue for efficient energy generation.
• Continued research into electrode design, sensitizers, and charge transport materials is crucial.
• The reviewed concepts have broad applicability for future solar cell technologies.