Recent Advances in the Application of Coumarins as Photosensitizers for the Construction of a Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have emerged as a promising alternative in photovoltaic energy, owing to their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. Sensitizers are crucial in efficiently converting solar energy into electricity in these systems. This review focuses on employing coumarins, a class of aromatic organic compounds, as sensitizers in DSSCs. We address the synthesis of coumarins, their photophysical and electronic properties, and their application in optimizing the energy conversion efficiency of DSSCs. We explore the molecular engineering strategies used to improve the properties of coumarins, including structural modification and the combination with other materials. Furthermore, we discuss current challenges and prospects for the development of DSSCs using coumarins as sensitizers. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state and future directions of this exciting area of solar energy research.