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

Abstract

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.