Fabrication and Characterization of a Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell using Natural Dye Extract of Rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) as Photosensitizer

A. A. Willoughby; A. A.  Soge; O. F.  Dairo; O. D. Olukanni; E. U.  Durugbo; W. S.  Michael; T. A. Adebayo

doi:10.46481/jnsps.2021.346

Authors

A. A. Willoughby Redeemer’s University, Faculty of Natural Science, Department of Physical Sciences, Gbongan-Osogbo Expressway, Akoda Ede, Osun State, Nigeria, 232102
A. A. Soge
sogea@run.edu.ng
Redeemer’s University, Faculty of Natural Science, Department of Physical Sciences, Gbongan-Osogbo Expressway, Akoda Ede, Osun State, Nigeria, 232102
O. F. Dairo Redeemer’s University, Faculty of Natural Science, Department of Physical Sciences, Gbongan-Osogbo Expressway, Akoda Ede, Osun State, Nigeria, 232102
O. D. Olukanni Redeemer's University, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, Gbongan-Osogbo Expressway, Akoda Ede, Osun State, Nigeria, 232102
E. U. Durugbo Redeemer’s University, Faculty of Natural Science, Department of Biological Sciences, Gbongan-Osogbo Expressway, Akoda Ede, Osun State, Nigeria, 232102
W. S. Michael Redeemer’s University, Faculty of Natural Science, Department of Physical Sciences, Gbongan-Osogbo Expressway, Akoda Ede, Osun State, Nigeria, 232102
T. A. Adebayo Redeemer’s University, Faculty of Natural Science, Department of Chemical Sciences, Gbongan-Osogbo Expressway, Akoda Ede, Osun State, Nigeria, 232102

Keywords:

natural dyes, energy conversion efficiency, photosensitizers, absorption spectra, anchorage, dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

The relatively low energy conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is a key challenge hindering the commercialization of the solar cell. The photochemical performance of the dye used as a photosensitizer for the DSSC greatly determines the efficiency of the solar cell. This study demonstrates the suitability of dye extracted from rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) flowers as a photosensitizer for a DSSC. The natural dye was extracted using the acid water extraction method and was characterized using FTIR spectroscopy and UV–vis spectrophotometry. The absorption spectra of the dye were examined to determine the aptness of the dye as a photosensitizer in DSSCs. The IR absorption spectra of the extracted dye confirmed both amine and hydroxyl compounds as functional groups in the natural dye, which established the suitability of the dye as a photosensitizer in DSSCs.The UV-vis absorption spectra of the natural dye within the visible region illustrate that the aqueous extract from rosella flowers has stable absorption of visible light, thus validating the natural dye as a good candidate for photosensitizer in a DSSC. The fabricated DSSC delivered a short-circuit current of 5 ?A and an open-circuit voltage of 0.637 V.

Dimensions

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