Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell using Extract of Jacaranda Mimosifolia and Salvia Spelendens as a Natural Sensitizer

Abstract

Nanocomposites of Sn-Ti oxide were prepared by sol-gel method to use as photo anode for dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Crystal size, elemental contents, structural properties and energy band gaps of the as-synthesized powders was examined using XRD, EDX, SEM and UV-Vis spectrophotometer respectively.  A quasi-solid state photo electrochemical solar energy conversion device with I₃^¯/I^¯ redox couple has been constructed and characterized. Natural pigments were also extracted using ethanol, HCl and water solvents from jacaranda mimosifolia and Salvia spelendens to use as sensitizer. Ethanol extract of natural sensitizer absorbs in the visible region. Dye sensitized solar cells were assembled using extracted natural dyes. 8.63% Incident photon to current conversion efficiency (IPCE) at 330 nm was obtained. The photo electrochemical performance of the quasi-solid state DSSCs based on the  ethanol extract of Salvia spelendens showed best photon conversion efficiency with an open circuit voltage (V_oc = 266 mV) and short circuit current density (J_sc = 0.1930 mAcm^?2) at 100 mWcm^-2 white light intensity.

Keywords: Sol-gel method, photo electrochemical cell, dye sensitized solar cell, quasi -solid state electrolyte