title: Fabrication, Optimization and Characterization of Natural Dye Sensitized Solar Cell.
abstract: The dyes extracted from pomegranate and berry fruits were successfully used in the fabrication of natural dye sensitized solar cells (NDSSC). The morphology, porosity, surface roughness, thickness, absorption and emission characteristics of the pomegranate dye sensitized photo-anode were studied using various analytical techniques including FESEM, EDS, TEM, AFM, FTIR, Raman, Fluorescence and Absorption Spectroscopy. Pomegranate dye extract has been shown to contain anthocyanin which is an excellent light harvesting pigment needed for the generation of charge carriers for the production of electricity. The solar cell's photovoltic performance in terms of efficiency, voltage, and current was tested with a standard illumination of air-mass 1.5 global (AM 1.5 G) having an irradiance of 100 mW/cm2. After optimization of the photo-anode and counter electrode, a photoelectric conversion efficiency (η) of 2%, an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.39 mV, and a short-circuit current density (Isc) of 12.2 mA/cm2were obtained. Impedance determination showed a relatively low charge-transfer resistance (17.44 Ω) and a long lifetime, signifying a reduction in recombination losses. The relatively enhanced efficiency is attributable in part to the use of a highly concentrated pomegranate dye, graphite counter electrode and TiCl4treatment of the photo-anode.
authors.affiliation: Center for Nanotechnology, Department of Natural Sciences, Coppin State University, 2500 W. North Ave, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Ghann
authors.affiliation: Center for Nanotechnology, Department of Natural Sciences, Coppin State University, 2500 W. North Ave, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Hyeonggon
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.affiliation: Center for Nanotechnology, Department of Natural Sciences, Coppin State University, 2500 W. North Ave, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Tajbik
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Sheikh
authors.affiliation: Center for Nanotechnology, Department of Natural Sciences, Coppin State University, 2500 W. North Ave, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Sunil
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yadav
authors.affiliation: Center for Nanotechnology, Department of Natural Sciences, Coppin State University, 2500 W. North Ave, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Tulio
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Chavez-Gil
authors.affiliation: Center for Nanotechnology, Department of Natural Sciences, Coppin State University, 2500 W. North Ave, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Fred
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Nesbitt
authors.affiliation: Center for Nanotechnology, Department of Natural Sciences, Coppin State University, 2500 W. North Ave, Baltimore, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Jamal
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Uddin
mesh_terms: D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000737:chemistry*; D058266:Dielectric Spectroscopy; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D029561:Lythraceae / Q000737:chemistry; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D012993:Solar Energy; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; D013057:Spectrum Analysis; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D004396:Coloring Agents; C009495:titanium dioxide; D014025:Titanium