Fabrication of Dye Sensitized Solar Cell Based on Natural Photosensitizers

Dye Sensitized solar cells were fabricated using with natural extracts and TiO2 is used as a semiconducting layer. The layer of nanocrytalline titanium dioxide was deposited on conductive side of the transparent Fluorine doped Tin Oxide (FTO) glass plate and the other side of the plate is coated with graphite. Voltage and Current values are measured for natural dyes coated FTO plate and I-V characteristic curves of all fabricated cells were drawn and analyzed. The highest power conversion efficiencies of Blueberry (0.79872%) and Beetroot (0.745813 %.) dyes were achieved among 10 dyes. The functional groups of Beetroot and Turmeric natural dyes were confirmed under FTIR spectroscopy. The ease and cost efficiency of the overall fabrication process, extensive availability of these fruits/juices render them novel and low-cost candidates for Solar cell applications