Dye sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are devices for the conversion of sunlight into electricity based on sensitization of wide band-gap semiconductors. DSCs using natural extracts containing betalains and anthocyanins as possible sensitizers for nanocrystalline TiO2 are presented. Conversion efficiency in full AM 1.5, Voc, Isc, FF and photocurrent action spectra are reported. Among the selected dyes were studied red Sicilian orange, eggplant, grape, mulberry, red turnip, Indian fig, etc. Although presently natural DSCs are still below the efficiency requirements for practical applications, our results indicate that, in the future, non toxic, cheap and fully biodegradable natural dyes might be potentially exploited to enhance the economic benefits of solar energy.
Natural Dye Sensitized Solar Cells based on fruits and nanotechnology
Giuseppe Calogero;Gaetano Di Marco;
2009
Abstract
Dye sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are devices for the conversion of sunlight into electricity based on sensitization of wide band-gap semiconductors. DSCs using natural extracts containing betalains and anthocyanins as possible sensitizers for nanocrystalline TiO2 are presented. Conversion efficiency in full AM 1.5, Voc, Isc, FF and photocurrent action spectra are reported. Among the selected dyes were studied red Sicilian orange, eggplant, grape, mulberry, red turnip, Indian fig, etc. Although presently natural DSCs are still below the efficiency requirements for practical applications, our results indicate that, in the future, non toxic, cheap and fully biodegradable natural dyes might be potentially exploited to enhance the economic benefits of solar energy.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
