Dye-sensitized solar cells: a systematic review of progress, challenges, and future perspectives

Abstract

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) technology is a class of emerging photovoltaic technologies distinguished by low-cost fabrication, compatibility with flexible substrates, and superior performance under diffuse and indoor illumination. These advantages position DSSCs as promising candidates for next-generation building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), portable electronics, and semi-transparent energy-harvesting systems. However, despite more than three decades of research, progress toward commercialization remains slow due to persistent challenges in efficiency, long-term stability, and scalable manufacturing. This systematic literature review (SLR) synthesizes material developments, performance-enhancement strategies, architectural innovations, and environmental considerations reported between 1991 and 2024. Particular emphasis is placed on interfacial engineering, plasmonic enhancement mechanisms, and hybrid material integration that continue to shape the field’s trajectory. The study evaluates the technological relevance of these advancements in the context of emerging applications such as agrivoltaics and spectral-engineered semi-transparent DSSCs. It also highlights deficiencies in current sustainability assessments and identifies critical research gaps related to durability, life-cycle impacts, and system-level optimization. It provides an updated perspective on the evolving scientific landscape and outlines strategic directions required to transition DSSCs from laboratory success to practical deployment.