Chapter 14 - Natural dyes in DSSC fabrication: Sources, stability, and performance enhancement efforts

Abstract

Nowadays, solar cell technology that dominates the market is a silicon-based solar cell with an efficiency of 15%–20%. Unfortunately, this type of solar cell has some weaknesses, such as a complex production process, utilizing hazardous compounds, and expensive production prices. Therefore, the researchers developed organic solar cells, namely dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). Nevertheless, the efficiency of DSSC is still lower than that of a conventional solar cell. Several studies have been carried out to increase the efficiency of DSSC by using natural dyes. Natural dyes extracted from different sources emerged as potential candidates to replace synthetic photosensitizers due to their merits, low cost, complete biodegradability, availability, and environmental concern. The use of natural dyes in DSSC has been applied in several methods, such as using a single dye, adding a copigment, and mixing different dyes. The purposes are to increase stability and widen the light absorption area, resulting in better efficiency. This chapter reviews the development of natural dyes in DSSC fabrication and some modifications that have been done. Using natural dye in DSSC fabrication is feasible to develop on an industrial scale.