Photoanodes such as TiO₂, sensitizers, electrolytes, and photocathodes play important roles in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Organic materials are often used for these components. This feature article reviews the recent development of organic sensitizers for both n- and p-type DSSCs, with an emphasis on molecular design strategies. This paper also discusses dyes for co-sensitized and tandem DSSCs, and metal-containing and metal-free redox organic mediators. Finally this paper briefly discusses organic materials for counter electrodes. The article provides readers with an overview of new trends in organic materials for DSSCs.

This review focuses on recent progress of metal-free sensitizers and on panchromatic engineering of co-sensitization in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).