Revolutionizing dye-sensitized solar cells with nanomaterials for enhanced photoelectric performance

Dye-sensitized solar cells have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional solar cells due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of fabrication. In recent years, the integration of nanomaterials into dye-sensitized solar cells has garnered substantial attention, offering new avenues to enhance their photoelectric performance. This review comprehensively examines the role of nanomaterials in elevating the efficiency and functionality of dye-sensitized solar cells. The fundamental principles of dye-sensitized solar cells are introduced, emphasizing the intricate interplay between crucial components that enable light absorption, charge separation, and electron transport. Nanomaterials play important roles across the entire spectrum of photoelectric conversion of dye-sensitized solar cells, e.g., constructing light-trapping architectures, creating interlayer transmission bridges, and facilitating charge carrier transport pathways, thus offering cost-effective alternatives to precious metals. Furthermore, this review concludes the central role of nanomaterials in shaping the landscape of flexible optoelectronic materials, highlighting their paramount importance in this area. The extensive scientific insights presented herein not only showcase the cutting-edge achievements in solar energy conversion efficiency but also serve as a comprehensive guide for the proper selection of nanomaterials. Finally, this work outlines the forthcoming challenges and offers insights into promising research avenues based on a comprehensive examination of various scholarly pursuits. Unlike other reviews that focus on the analyses of structures or components, this review concentrates on the impact of nanomaterials on the overall photoelectric performance of dye-sensitized solar cells. By fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and advancing relevant research, dye-sensitized solar cells hold promise as a significant contributor to the global transition toward clean and renewable energy sources.