Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) enrich the solar cells

• Basic principle of CNT-based solar cell is theoretically illustrated.
• The recent outcomes on both flat and wire-shaped flexible cells are reviewed.
• The potential engineering applications of CNT-based flexible photovoltaic are reported.

Over the past two decades, dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) research continues to gain momentum since its low-cost and environmental sustainability provides a good foundation for practical applications. Recently, CNTs have been introduced into DSSCs to take advantage of their lower electrical resistance, flexibility, excellent electrocatalytic activity and mechanical integrity. This paper introduces the principle of carbon-based solar energy conversion and reviews different types of solar cells using incorporated CNTs as electrode materials. This article also reports on CNTs’ outstanding electrocatalytic functions in enhancing wire-shaped solar cells’ photo-energy conversion.