Paving the way for advancement of renewable energy technologies using deep eutectic solvents: A review

The interest in renewable energy technologies is exponentially increasing and researchers from diverse disciplines are actively developing more sustainable and greener approaches. In this context, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) offer many opportunities and open up attractive perspectives on account of their unique eco-friendly, electrochemical, and physiochemical characteristics. In particular, DESs are regarded as potential candidates for replacing conventional molecular liquids and ionic liquids. Herein, the potential use and roles of DESs in solar energy and energy storage technologies are reviewed and summarized. The main research areas covered were dye-sensitized solar cells, concentrated solar plants, direct absorption solar collectors, thermal energy storage, metal-based ion batteries, redox flow batteries, and supercapacitors. DESs are expected to ultimately play preeminent roles in enhancing the efficiency of renewable energy systems and devices.