Performance of dye-sensitized solar cells fabricated with extracts from fruits of ivy gourd and flowers of red frangipani as sensitizers

Natural dyes extracted from fruits of ivy gourd and flowers of red frangipani were used as sensitizers to fabricate dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Fourier transform Raman (FT-Raman) and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) studies indicated the presence of β-carotene in the fruits of ivy gourd and anthocyanins in the flowers of red frangipani. The extract of the flowers of red frangipani exhibits higher photosensitized performance compared to the fruits of ivy gourd and this is due to the better charge transfer between the dyes of flowers of red frangipani and the TiO2 photoanode surface.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Extracts of fruits of ivy gourd and flowers of red frangipani were used as sensitizers.
► DSSC with the extract of flowers of red frangipani gave a reasonable efficiency.
► Anthocyanins in frangipani flower have shown higher photosensitized performance.
► β-Carotene in fruits of ivy gourd shows less adsorbing property and efficiency.