Nanocomposite Counter-Electrode Materials for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: A Review

To date, third-generation solar-electricity dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are a hot research topic for the next generation of photovoltaic solar technology. Additionally, cathodes, including nanocomposite cathode-based DSSCs, are a crucial component addition to the electrolyte anode. The usage of precious platinum (Pt) cathodes in DSSCs continues to be a barrier for large-scale DSSCs manufacture. Finding a cost-effective, environmentally benign, high power conversion efficiency (PCE), and electrocatalytic performance of an alternative Pt-free nanocomposite cathode material in DSSCs is critical. This review focuses on recent developments in cathode materials, namely, nanocomposite cathodes like polymers/carbon, polymers/transition metal compounds (TMCs), and TMCs/oxide. Furthermore, it also includes the effect of fabrication methods on PCE, morphological structures, and electrocatalytic performance of nanocomposite cathodes in DSSCs, and finally, the conclusion and outlook. Why platinum (Pt)-free nanocomposite photocathode for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)? Pt-free nanocomposite photocathodes in DSSCs offer a sustainable alternative to platinum-based counterparts. They use cost-effective, abundant, and eco-friendly catalysts, typically metal oxides, conductive polymers, or carbon-based materials. These aim for better catalytic performance, boosting DSSCs efficiency and affordability while decreasing dependence on costly platinum resources.image (c) 2023 WILEY-VCH GmbH