Natural Dyes as Photosensitizers:�A Study on Their Potential for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)

AcSIR Societal Program

Meeting under the PhD programme

Introduction

DSSC:

A promising alternative to conventional silicon-based solar cells.

Natural dyes:

Potential photo-sensitizers due to their abundance, low cost, and environmental friendliness.

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Research objective:

To investigate the properties of natural dyes as photo-sensitizers for DSSC.

Materials and Methods

Natural dye extraction:

Extraction of dyes from various plant sources

(e.g., beetroot, hibiscus, pomegranate).

DSSC fabrication:

Construction of DSSC devices using the extracted natural dyes as sensitizers.

Characterization:

Measurement of DSSC performance parameters, including short-circuit current (Jsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (FF), and overall efficiency.

Integration into flowers and fruits:

Integration of DSSC components on to the surface of flowers and fruits

Natural dyes preparation

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Optical measurements of dyes solutions

Preparing FTO transparent conductive oxide using SOL-GEL technique

Preparation of the titanium oxide TiO2 electrode

Photo-sensitizer dye deposition

Counter electrode preparation

Preparation of electrolyte solution

Assemble device and determine output characteristics

Results and Discussions

• DSS Absorption spectra:

Analysis of the absorption properties of the extracted natural dyes.

• C performance:

Comparison of the performance of DSSC devices sensitized with different natural dyes.

• Factors affecting performance:

Discussion of factors influencing the efficiency of natural dye-sensitized DSSC, such as dye structure, electrolyte composition, and electrode properties.

• Potential applications:

Exploration of potential applications for DSSC-integrated flowers and fruits, such as decorative lighting, wearable technology, and environmental monitoring.

• Future research:

Discussion of future research directions to address the challenges and improve the performance of DSSC integrated into natural objects.

Thank you