Fabrication of DSSC based on Capsicum annuum and Tamarindus indica plant seeds extract as natural photosensitizers

Abstract

Twelve dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated using Capsicum annuum and Tamarindus indica seeds extract as natural photosensitizing dyes. Zinc oxide-based three different films were employed as charge transporters, whereas graphite and PEDOT:PSS were adopted as electrode materials. The optical character of natural dyes and zinc oxide-based layers was obtained by UV–vis spectroscopy. Structural information was achieved by X-ray diffraction and modes of vibrations were obtained by Fourier Transform IR spectroscopy. Different schemes of DSSCs were considered by choosing from metal oxide films, seed extract, and electrode material. J-V curves recorded for all the DSSCs-configurations revealed that the maximum power conversion efficiency of 1.65% was found in the case of DSSC which comprised Capsicum annuum (dye), zinc oxide, and graphite as an electrode. Minimum 0.43% efficiency was obtained for the DSSC based on Capsicum annuum as a dye, Al-doped zinc oxide film, and PEDOT:PSS as an electrode. This study is a way forward to using recyclable natural resources for sustainable and economical solar power conversion devices.