Abstract
This research paper is aimed at evaluating the use of natural dyes from blackberry (Rubus glaucus) obtained naturally for their subsequent application in laboratory solar cells to place them in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) for the generation of electrical energy. The problem of the study is the high demand generated by global warming. Natural dyes were used to sensitize six solar cells, which were tested for their ability to absorb ultraviolet and visible light using a spectrophotometer in the ultraviolet-visible range, a solar simulator, and a current-voltage tester. The voltmeter was used to show how much energy each solar cell emitted over eight to 18 hours of daylight, with a required absorbance of 400-500 nm using six solar cells that had been sensitized with natural dyes. To reduce the high demand generated by global warming, use natural dyes from plant species as a supplement to improve efficiency in capturing renewable energy (solar) and converting it into electrical energy. Blackberries are lyophilized and then macerated for one day at room temperature in a dark, cool place to maximize dye’s absorption. With two electrodes, the photo and contra, and an electrolyte in between, a Gratzel-type DSSC can be built. Using the doctor blade technique, the titanium dioxide film is added to the fluorine-doped tin oxide (TiO2) in the photoelectrode. By immersion, a natural colourant is then applied. TiO2 glass with a platinum film deposited on it serves as the counterelectrode.
Highlights
There is a high increase in the population and, at the same time, the technology with new devices that consume energy; the greatest energy demand comes from nonrenewable sources
According to Valles (2016) in “Optimization of the adsorption time of photosensitive natural pigments on titanium dioxide (TiO2) to increase the efficiency of organic solar cells”, the main objective was “To determine the optimal adsorption time of the natural pigment on the semiconductor TiO2 for greater efficiency of the dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC),” plants such as Baccharis latifolia presenting 0.43 V and 0.50 V, respectively; on the other hand, in our research, we used the dyes from the blackberry Rubus glaucus maximum where solar cell showed us data from 0.26 V to 0.45 V in the day
The solar cells used in this study were built using silicon solar cells that show to be low cost and of good efficiency; on the other hand, Lee et al (2009) [15] carried out the manufacture and characterization of sensitized solar cells of TiO2 nanoparticles modified with NiO, whose objective of his research was to contribute to the development of new energies to supply the needs of the population in the future; in the case of this author, the cost of inputs is much higher
Summary
There is a high increase in the population and, at the same time, the technology with new devices that consume energy; the greatest energy demand comes from nonrenewable sources. The need to look for alternatives such as renewable energy arises. Several international agreements were signed to reduce pollution, such as the 2002 Kyoto protocol, dividing energy sources into the wind, geothermal, hydroelectric, tidal, and solar energy. Solar energy is one of the most abundant, clean, and renewable energy sources, so solar cells have become an alternative. The electrode is called an anode; the thickness of its broadband layer is microns of TiO2. It has a semiconductor function in which it is not sensitive to light, so the Journal of Nanomaterials
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