Bio-Inspired Solar Power: Natural Dyes and the Advancements of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) have emerged as a promising technology in the field of photovoltaic research, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional silicon-based solar cells. This review provides an overview of significant advancements in DSSC research, particularly in the context of natural dye applications, computational studies, fabrication techniques, and efficiency improvements. Natural dyes, derived from various plant sources, have emerged as promising sensitizers for DSSCs due to their eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness. Computational studies play a critical role in understanding and optimizing the properties of dyes used in DSSCs. Solid-state DSSCs offer better stability and longer operational lifetimes compared to liquid electrolytes. The potential applications of DSSCs in consumer electronics are highlighted as revolutionary in the electronics market. The environmental benefits of using natural dyes in DSSCs are also considered, with ongoing research aiming to enhance the efficiency and sustain- ability of DSSCs. Therefore, ongoing research and development efforts are crucial to addressing the remaining challenges and realizing the full potential of DSSCs in various applications.