Recent developments in dye-sensitized photovoltaic cells under ambient illumination

Abstract

Dye-sensitized photovoltaic cells (DSPVs) have great potential in indoor photovoltaic applications for light energy recycling because of their exceptional light-harvesting capability under ambient illumination conditions. The feasibility of DSPVs for use in ambient energy harvesting is verified by their record-high power-conversion efficiency (PCE) of over 30% under indoor illumination conditions, colorful esthetics, cost-effectiveness, stable device performance, and PCE retention of up to 99%. This review provides an insightful overview of the application of DSPVs under the illumination of diffuse and low-intensity light. The key foci of this study are the synergistic impacts of various factors, including the design of dyes, composition of electrolytes, long-term stability, effect of TiO2 mesoporous films, and blocking layers on the indoor performance of DSPVs. Additionally, the review touches upon the commercial aspects of DSPVs that operate under low light intensities, and it provides a critical perspective.