The evolution of the dye sensitized solar cells from Grätzel prototype to up-scaled solar applications: A life cycle assessment approach

Emerging photovoltaics has gathered much attention in the last years. Among the innovative technologies developed in order to decrease the costs and broaden the applicability of photovoltaics, the dye sensitized solar cells have gained a flourishing interest for their potential as an economically and environmentally viable alternative to traditional devices. With the aim to increase the efficiency, stability and lifetime of dye sensitized solar cells, the research and development activity has been very productive in order to find the proper set of materials and the best architectures. This present paper aims to trace the progress of dye sensitized solar cells from a life cycle assessment perspective in order to draw the environmental profile of this technology for assessing its potential for eco-friendly innovation in the energy sector.