Anthocyanin as natural dye in DSSC fabrication: A review

Abstract

Nowadays, solar cell technology that dominates the market is a silicon-based solar cell with efficiency of 15-20%. Unfortunately, this type of solar cell has some weaknesses such as complex production process, utilize hazardous compounds and expensive production price. Therefore, the researchers developed organic solar cell namely dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Nevertheless, the efficiency of DSSC still lower than that of conventional solar cell. Several studies have been carried out to increase the efficiency of DSSC like the use of anthocyanin dye. Anthocyanin is a flavonoid compound that has a wide absorption range and has conjugated π bond to catch photons from sunlight. The use of anthocyanin in DSSC has been applied in several methods, such as the use of single anthocyanin dye, adding copigment, and mixing them with other dyes. The purposes are to increase stability and widen light absorption area due to result in better efficiency. This article reviews the development of anthocyanin utilization as a natural dye in DSSC fabrication as well as some modifications that have been done. The use of anthocyanin as a natural dye in DSSC fabrication is feasible to be developed in industrial scale.