Effect of dye content concentration chlorophyll-anthocyanin on light absorption rate and characteristics of natural dye-sensitized solar cell

Abstract

Renewable energy materials like Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) using the photoelectrochemical mechanisms have gathered considerable attention worldwide. This study explores the use of natural dyes, specifically anthocyanin extracted from beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) roots and chlorophyll from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) leaves, as sensitizers in natural DSSC. DSSC sensitized solely with anthocyanin exhibited low performance, with an efficiency of η = 0.0131%. To enhance cell efficiency, a combination of anthocyanin and chlorophyll dyes was tested in various volume ratios to determine the optimal mixture for maximum efficiency. The UV absorption spectrum of the combined dyes demonstrated a wider absorption range and greater absorbance in the visible light spectrum compared to anthocyanin alone. The optimized combination of 80% anthocyanin and 20% chlorophyll in the DSSC resulted in parameters of Isc = 0.276 mA, Voc = 0.512 V, and FF = 0.313, leading to a maximum efficiency of 0.0197%.