Utilization of Naturally Occurring Dyes as Sensitizers in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

Abstract

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated with four naturally occurring anthocyanin dyes extracted from naturally found fruits/juices (viz., Indian jamun, plum, black currant, and berries) as sensitizers. Extraction of anthocyanin was done using acidified ethanol. The highest power conversion efficiencies (η) of 0.55% and 0.53% were achieved for the DSSCs fabricated using anthocyanin extracts of blackcurrant and mixed berry juice. Widespread availability of these fruits and juices, high concentration of anthocyanins in them, and ease of extraction of anthocyanin dyes from these commonly available fruits render them novel and inexpensive candidates for solar cell fabrication. Anthocyanins are naturally occurring biodegradable and nontoxic molecules that are extracted using techniques that involve negligible low cost to the environment and therefore can provide ecofriendly alternatives to synthetic dyes for DSSC production. © 2011-2012 IEEE.