38th Annual Student Research Conference
“Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Based on Natural Dyes: A Pathway to Sustainable Energy”
Gregory M. Seipel
Dr. Rasanjali Jayathissa, Faculty Mentor
“Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Based on Natural Dyes: A Pathway to Sustainable Energy”
Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) made using natural dyes are being explored as a cost-effective alternative to solar cells made with metallic dyes. This research was designed to investigate the practicality of using natural dyes as a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to other harmful sensitizers used in modern-day DSSCs. Natural dyes can be harvested from various organic sources. This study explores dyes extracted from the husk of a walnut and the pileus of a mushroom. These dyes are characterized using UV-visible spectroscopy, while laboratory-scale solar cells are fabricated and analyzed through current-voltage measurements and impedance spectroscopy to evaluate their power conversion efficiency. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of natural dye-based DSSCs and builds a sustainable future.
Keywords: sustainable energy, Dye-sensitized solar cells, Natural Dyes, UV-visible spectroscopy , impedance spectroscopy, walnut, mushroom
Topic(s):Physics
Chemistry
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation
Session: 400-26
Location: SUB Activities Room
Time: 8:45