Preparation of natural dyes from salvia and spathodea for TiO2-based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and their electrochemical impedance spectroscopic study under light and dark conditions

• Published in: Bulletin of materials science Vol. 43; no. 1; p. 236
• Main Authors: Lohar, G M, Rupnawar, D V, Shejawal, R V, FULARI, A V
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bangalore Indian Academy of Sciences 01.12.2020; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Acids; Alternative energy sources; Chemistry and Materials Science; Dye-sensitized solar cells; Dyes; Efficiency; Electrochemical analysis; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; Engineering; Flowers & plants; Light; Materials Science; Nanoparticles; Nanospheres; Optical properties; Pigments; Spectrum analysis; Thin films; Titanium dioxide; Dye-sensitized solar cell; electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; photo-electrochemical properties
• DOI: 10.1007/s12034-020-02180-w
• ISSN: 0250-4707

In this research investigation, natural dyes have been prepared from salvia and spathodea flowers for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). TiO 2 nanosphere-based thin films were prepared using the doctor blade method and the natural dyes were loaded on TiO 2 nanospheres. The electrochemical and photoelectrochemical properties were studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and J – V measurement, respectively. This study has been used for device fabrication. The results show that the fabricated dye improves efficiency of solar cells. Electrochemical properties were studied under dark and light conditions and the optical properties of TiO 2 -based DSSCs were also studied. The efficiency of solar cells increases by using the fabricated natural dyes. As far as the advantage of using natural dyes is concerned, they can be beneficial for future bio-photovoltaic technology.