Nanocomposites in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Materials, Challenges, and Future Prospects

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Solar Energy and Solar Cells".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 April 2026 | Viewed by 35

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Engineering and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN), University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
Interests: dye-sensitized solar cell applications; synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have emerged as a promising alternative to conventional photovoltaic technologies, offering a more cost-effective and flexible approach to solar energy harvesting. The integration of nanocomposite materials into DSSCs has played a crucial role in enhancing their performance. This Special Issue aims to explore the recent advances in nanocomposites used in various components of DSSCs, including photoanodes, counter electrodes, dyes, and electrolytes.

Nanocomposites have shown significant potential in improving the efficiency, stability, and cost-effectiveness of DSSCs. In particular, the addition of nanoparticles to photoanodes enhances light absorption, while modifications in counter electrodes and electrolytes enable better electron transfer and overall cell performance. The use of nanomaterials in dyes offers enhanced light-harvesting capabilities, contributing to higher power conversion efficiencies. However, despite the promising potential of nanocomposites, several challenges remain, such as the long-term stability of nanomaterial-based DSSCs, the scalability of nanocomposite synthesis, and cost-effectiveness in mass production. Furthermore, concerns regarding the toxicity of certain nanoparticles and their environmental impact need to be addressed for the widespread adoption of these technologies.

This Issue will delve into the relevant materials and the challenges in the field, while also discussing future prospects in the design and commercialization of nanocomposite-based DSSCs. It will highlight cutting-edge research, practical applications, and emerging trends that could shape the next generation of solar cells.

Dr. Mohammad Reza Mohammadi
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • nanocomposites
  • dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)
  • photoanodes
  • counter electrodes
  • dyes
  • electrolytes
  • performance enhancement

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