Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell for Indoor Applications: A Mini-Review

Lightweight computing technologies such as the Internet of Things and flexible wearable systems have penetrated our everyday lives exponentially in recent years. Without a question, the running of such electronic devices is a major energy problem. Generally, these devices need power within the range of microwatts and operate mostly indoors. Thus, it is appropriate to have a self-sustainable power source, such as the photovoltaic (PV) cell, which can harvest indoor light. Among other PV cells, the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) has immense capacity to satisfy the energy demands of most indoor electronics, making it a very attractive power candidates because of its many benefits such as readily available materials, relatively cheap manufacturing methods, roll-to-roll compatibility, easy processing capabilities on flexible substrates and exceptional diffuse/low-light performance. This review discusses the recent developments in DSSC materials for its indoor applications. Ultimately, the perspective on this topic is presented after summing up the current progress of the research.

Automated summary

In recent years, lightweight computing technologies such as the Internet of Things and flexible wearable systems have exponentially penetrated everyday life. The running of electronic devices poses a major energy problem, which can potentially be solved by using self-sustainable power sources like photovoltaic cells such as dye-sensitized solar cells to meet the energy demands of indoor electronics.