Open AccessFabrication and Characterization of a Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell using Natural Dye Extract of Rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) as Photosensitizer
Author(s) -
A. A. Willoughby,
Ayodele O. Soge,
Oluropo F. Dairo,
Olumide D. Olukanni,
Ernest Uzodimma Durugbo,
W. S. Michael,
T. A. Adebayo
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of the nigerian society of physical sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2714-4704
DOI - 10.46481/jnsps.2021.346
Subject(s) - dye sensitized solar cell , photosensitizer , hibiscus sabdariffa , photochemistry , absorption spectroscopy , natural dye , absorption (acoustics) , chemistry , materials science , organic chemistry , optics , electrode , physics , food science , dyeing , electrolyte , composite material
The relatively low energy conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is a key challenge hindering the commercialization of the solar cell. The photochemical performance of the dye used as a photosensitizer for the DSSC greatly determines the efficiency of the solar cell. This study demonstrates the suitability of dye extracted from rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) flowers as a photosensitizer for a DSSC. The natural dye was extracted using the acid water extraction method and was characterized using FTIR spectroscopy and UV–vis spectrophotometry. The absorption spectra of the dye were examined to determine the aptness of the dye as a photosensitizer in DSSCs. The IR absorption spectra of the extracted dye confirmed both amine and hydroxyl compounds as functional groups in the natural dye, which established the suitability of the dye as a photosensitizer in DSSCs.The UV-vis absorption spectra of the natural dye within the visible region illustrate that the aqueous extract from rosella flowers has stable absorption of visible light, thus validating the natural dye as a good candidate for photosensitizer in a DSSC. The fabricated DSSC delivered a short-circuit current of 5 ?A and an open-circuit voltage of 0.637 V.