Degradation performance of graphite as a counter electrode in dye sensitized solar cells

Abstract

The dye sensitised solar cells (DSSC) have a range of appealing characteristics such as they are easy to produce, utilising conventional roll-printing methods, semi-flexibility and semi-transparency and the low cost. Dye-sensitized solar cells discriminate between the two functionalities provided by silicon in a typical cell architecture. The majority of the semiconductor in a dye-sensitized solar cell is utilised completely for charge transport, while a dye that has been made photosensitive provides the photoelectrons. Charge separation occurs between the pigment, at the surface. DSSCs have developed a spectacular and affordable solar energy conversion technology. In this work, natural dyes taken from hibiscus, black grapes and spinach are used as a photo sensitizer instead of expensive ruthenium dyes to build DSSCs. These natural colour dyes are inexpensive, widely accessible and pose no danger to the environment. Instead of platinum, inexpensive graphite is utilised as the counter electrode, while potassium iodide is employed as the electrolyte. In order to comprehend the degradation performance of DSSCs, graphite is used as a counter electrode. The work examines the performance of natural dyes and its degradation investigation. The analysis was done sequentially over the course of 60 days. The stability of graphite under continuous sunshine exposure for the aforementioned period is presented and thoroughly studied.