Studies on the Optical and Photoelectric Properties of Anthocyanin and Chlorophyll as Dihybrid Sensitizer in Dye Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC)

Abstract

The production costs and energy conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) is strongly influenced by the types of dyes used to harvest photons. Natural dyes extracted from different pigments are emerged as a potential dye to enhance the efficiency of DSSC due to their merit properties such as low cost, biodegradable and less environmental concern. Natural pigments were derived from Eleiodoxa conferta (E. conferta) and Spinacia oleracea (S. oleracea) and formation of a mixture of these extracts in (1:1) volume ratio. The dihybrid extract displayed a diverse UV-vis absorption spectrum of 530–550 nm with maximum absorption at ~539 nm. The optical features of the harvested dyes and the photovoltaic productivity of the cells have been explored. The photovoltaic output of the dihybrid delivered the best findings with open-circuit voltage (VOC), short-circuit current density (JSC), fill factor (FF) and energy conversion efficiency values of 0.35 V, 5.83 mA/cm2, 0.63 and 1.29 % respectively.

Keywords

• Dihybrid dye, Dye-sensitized solar cell, Natural dyes, Photovoltaic properties