STATUS AND PERSPECTIVES OF DYES USED IN DYE SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS

Abstract

Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC) is promising
alternative for the development of new generation of
solar cells. Currently DSSC is using inorganic
(Ruthenium) and organic (natural and synthetic) dyes as
a sensitizer. The natures of these dyes together with other
parameters have resulted in varying performance. The
use of natural pigments have become a viable alternative
to expensive and rare Ruthenium dyes because of its low
cost, easy attainability, abundance in supply of raw
materials and no environment threat. Various
components of plants such as fruits, flower petals are
being used as natural sensitizers. In this review,
commonly used dyes in DSSC have been studied. The
principles and components of DSSC are explained and
recent progress on inorganic and organic dyes is
reviewed. This study will be useful for the researchers
working in this emerging technology.