Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Natural Dyes Extracted from Roselle ( Hibiscus Sabdariffa) Flowers and Pawpaw ( Carica Papaya) Leaves as Sensitizers

Abstract

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated using natural dyes extracted from roselle flowers and carica papaya leaves extract as photosensitizers. The photovoltaic perfomance of the DSSCs were evaluated under 100 mAcm -2 light intensity. The roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) extract sensitized solar cell gave a short circuit current density (Jsc) of 0.180 mAcm -2 , an open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.470 V, a fill factor (FF) of 0.552, and an overall solar energy conversion efficiency (η) of 0.046%. Also, the pawpaw leaves extract sensitized cell gave a Jsc of 0.094 mAcm -2 , Voc of 0.433 V, FF of 0.544 yielding a conversion efficiency of 0.022%. The cell sensitized by the roselle extract shows better sensitization, which was in agreement with the broadest spectrum of the extract adsorbed on TiO 2 film. The sensitization performance related to interaction between the dye and TiO 2 surface is discussed.