Natural Polymers for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Electrolytes and Electrodes

It has been argued that the application of biosourced materials holds a promise for improved environmental performance. This promise has also been argued to apply to photovoltaic and solar cells. Frontrunners in this respect are the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), also known as Grätzel cells. DSSCs are the most investigated third-generation photovoltaic devices, due to a number of attractive features, including quasi-flexibility and quasi-transparency, which offer a variety of uses not applicable to glass-based systems, such as low-cost and ease of manufacturing via conventional roll-printing techniques. However, important drawbacks of DSSCs are represented by the poor long-term stability due to the volatility of the electrolyte contained organic solvent and the use of toxic and expensive components. DSSCs exploiting biosourced polymer electrolytes and electrode materials are presently under intense investigation as a next-generation sustainable solar energy converter because of their simple structure, low manufacturing cost, and green aspect. This article details the preparation and characteristics of some recently developed electrolytes and electrodes by using biosourced materials.