Dye-sensitized solar cells using 20 natural dyes as sensitizers

Twenty natural dyes, extracted from natural materials such as flowers, leaves, fruits, traditional Chinese medicines, and beverages, were used as sensitizers to fabricate dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The photoelectrochemical performance of the DSCs based on these dyes showed that the open circuit voltages (Voc) varied from 0.337 to 0.689 V, and the short circuit photocurrent densities (Jsc) ranged from 0.14 to 2.69 mA cm−2. Specifically, a high Voc of 0.686 V was obtained from the dye extracted from mangosteen pericarp sensitizer. The photo-to-electric conversion efficiency of the DSC sensitized by the ethanol extract of mangosteen pericarp without purification reached 1.17%. Moreover, various components of the ethanol extract were extracted using different organic solvents. The photoelectrochemical performance of these extracts demonstrated that rutin was the most effectual component of the sensitizer for DSC.

The dye-sensitized solar cells were fabricated using 20 natural dyes as sensitizers, which were extracted from flowers, leaves, fruits, traditional Chinese medicines, and beverages. The photoelectrochemical performance of the DSCs based on the dyes was studied. The DSC sensitized by mangosteen pericarp dye with a relatively high photo-to-electric conversion efficiency was investigated in detail.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Twenty natural dyes were used as sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells.
► A high Voc of 0.686 V was obtained from the dye extracted from mangosteen pericarp sensitizer.
► The photo-to-electric conversion efficiency of the mangosteen pericarp-sensitized DSC reached 1.17%.
► Rutin was the most effectual component of the sensitizer for DSC.