Progress on Nanomaterials for Photoelectrochemical Solar Cells: from Titania to Perovskites

Abstract

Solar cells have been the queen of alternative renewable energy for the earth. From silicon-based solar cells to the new generation of perovskite-based solar cells, the choice and performance of the materials of the corresponding cells are still the focus of research interest. Amongst, photoelectrochemical (PEC) solar cells trigger the use and exploration of nanomaterials to boost their cell’s performance. This short review focus on the development of nanomaterials used for PEC, from nanoparticles to the one-dimensional titanium dioxide (titania) such as nanofibers and nanotubes, as well as the hybrid system with the perovskite halide. The search for light-harvesting materials is also included especially natural dyes. The review ends with a strategy to marry the natural dyes' potential with the sophisticated structure of nanomaterials to result in an efficient natural dyes PEC solar cells.