ELECTRICAL OPTIMIZATION OF NATURAL DYE-SENSITIZED SOLAR CELLS THROUGH CO-SENSITIZATION AND NANOSTRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2025-0912-4434Keywords:
Dye-sensitized solar cell, Natural dyes, Optimization, Power conversion efficiencyAbstract
Natural dye-sensitised solar cells offer a cheap and eco-friendly alternative to conventional photovoltaics, but their inefficient light harvesting and charge transport limit their efficiency. This research addresses these challenges by optimizing natural DSSCs through co-sensitization and nano-structural engineering. The study investigates TiO₂-based photoanodes sensitized with Hibiscus, Beetroot, and Turmeric dyes, comparing their performance with the synthetic N719 dye. Optimization involved co-sensitization, TiO₂ nanostructural modifications, and dye bath calibration. Electrical performance and EIS parameters were analyzed. Results show co-sensitized Beetroot-based DSSC achieved a PCE of 5.88%, compared to 8.39% for N719-based control device. EIS Nyquist plots revealed higher R_ct values in un-optimized devices, reduced after optimization. Improvements in electron injection efficiency and suppressed charge recombination contributed to PCE enhancements. The findings demonstrate optimized natural dyes with engineering strategies like nano-structured TiO₂, co-sensitization, and electrolyte tuning can serve as cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to synthetic dyes in DSSC applications.
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