Natural dyes for solar cell application: uv-visible spectra and outdoor photovoltaic performance
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Date
2014-09
Authors
Pamain, Adriano
Pogrebnaya, Tatiana P.
King'ondu, Cecil K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Journal in Engineering and Applied Sciences
Abstract
Successful conversion of visible light into electrical output was achieved by using four locally available natural dyes as
wide band gap semiconductor sensitizers in Dye-sensitized solar cells. Natural dyes extracted from Java plum
(Syzigium cumin), Red cabbage (Brassica oleracea), Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flower, and Begonia rex leaves were
employed as light-absorbing dyes anchored to nanostructured mesoporous TiO2 film photo anode. Simple procedures
were employed in extracting natural dyes. The dye extracts were stored for four months prior to UV-vis spectra and
photoelectrical measurements. The absorption spectra analyses for all extracts carried out in the wavelength range 350
to 800 nm, showed a wide and significant absorption spectrum in UV and visible regions. Photovoltaic parameters such
as short-circuit current (Jsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (FF), power output (Pm), and energy conversion
efficiency (η) were determined for the four dyes. Conversion efficiencies obtained from Java plum, Red cabbage;
Hibiscus flower and Begonia rex were 0.098, 0.051, 081, and 0.094%, respectively. Efficiency of fabricated cells and
cell characteristics were found to correlate with absorption spectra of dyes.
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 7 : Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 9 : Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 12 : Responsible Consumption and Production
Keywords
Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC), Titanium Oxide (TiO2)