Review of latest efficient sensitizer in dye-sensitized solar cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells are an attractive third generation photovoltaic emerging technology. These solar cells are currently alternative to the conventional inorganic silicon-based cells because of the advantages, such as low-cost materials and simple fabrication processes. Some challenges remain in the field of research, such as long-term stability and operation lifetime. Third-generation solar technologies include solar cells sensitized by dye materials (DSSCs), quantum dots (QDs) and perovskites. Among of them, DSSCs are the longest-standing third-generation solar technology. Currently, DSSCs using inorganic metal complex dye(e.g.RU), synthetic/natural organic dyes in different type of electrolyte. Recently, the two systems have achieved similar record efficiencies approaching 12% and other exceeding 13%. In this review, we will highlight the recent research on sensitizers for DSSCs, including ruthenium complexes, metal-free organic dyes, and natural dyes with their corresponding efficiencies. Also, the latest approaches to enhance the performance of natural dyes have been discussed.