Recent Advances in SnO2 Based Photo Anode Materials for Third Generation Photovoltaics

Abstract

Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) based on metal oxide photo anode is of greater interest at the present scenario. The light harvesting capability of the photo anode is the most crucial factor in determining the efficiency of DSSC. Thus to decide on suitable photo anode to attain greater efficiency is critical confront. The wide band gap (3.6eV) and higher electron mobility (me ~ 250 cm2 V-1 S‑1) of SnO2 put together a promising material when compared to other photo electrode materials . Besides, its low sensitivity towards UV makes them more stable for a long time. This review will focus on recent progress in development of SnO2 and hybrid SnO2 based photo anode material and its allied key issues based on articles published in the last five years. A short introduction about the current energy scenario, DSSC principle and working will be presented followed by a brief description about the importance of photo anode in DSSC. Subsequently a complete review on SnO2 and hybrid SnO2 photo anode materials will be explained together with the recent year reports considering all the challenges and perspectives related to DSSC.