35th Annual Student Research Conference
Towards Green Energy: Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells using Natural Dyes
Daphne J. Zakarian*, Emmanuella E. Goe, and Biwansh Khatri
Dr. Rasanjali Jayathissa, Faculty Mentor
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have attracted much attention as a promising photovoltaic technology due to easy processability, low fabrication cost, and high power conversion efficiency. Currently, the most efficient and common DSSCs use Ruthenium (Ru)-based dyes as the photosensitizer, which are toxic and expensive. Our research aims to find lower-cost, more environmentally friendly alternatives to Ru dyes to manufacture DSSC based on gel electrolytes. Natural dyes are extracted from parts of the plants such as fruits, flower petals, roots, barks, and leaves, in the form of anthocyanin and betalain pigments. The dyes are characterized using UV-Visible spectroscopy. Laboratory-level solar cells are constructed and characterized using current and voltage measurements. This research would serve as a foundation for further investigating natural dyes in gel-based DSSCs.
Keywords: Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells, Natural Dyes, UV-Visible Spectroscopy, Renewable Energy, Gel Electrolytes
Topic(s):Physics
Chemistry
Environmental Studies
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 207-4
Location: MG 1098
Time: 11:00