Investigating the prospect of micro-energy generation in S.Anisatum Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs)

Abstract

Energy is a requirement for daily existence and a necessity for driving all technology. Thus, indices for generating energy will always be a valid reason for research. It therefore stands to reason that; numerous experimental effort has been devoted to the quest of energy generation. This quest has witnessed a lot of progression, newer innovations being an improvement over older editions. Recent energy studies have shifted its focus from dominant monocrystalline silicon solar cells to organic material sources. This is in the wake of the high expenses incurred in installation of any silicon solar technology. Although the economy of scale applies to increased use of silicon panels, it does not delete the looming future threat of disposal of expired silicon solar panels. This brings to fore, a need for an energy substitute that possesses the salient attributes of monocrystalline silicon solar cells without the limitations. Amongst all the alternatives, the low cost and environmentally benign dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) has remained prominent. Other desirable characteristics of dye-sensitized solar cells is all-year availability of raw materials, capacity to perform under low diffuse light conditions, ability to withstand extreme conditions contrary to their silicon counterparts are sterling qualities which necessitate detailed enquiry into dye-sensitized solar technology. In spite of these excellent properties, wide adoption of DSCs is limited by its poor output efficiency relative to monocrystalline silicon solar cells. The significance of this research is thus to investigate optical spectral responses of S.Anisatum dye-sensitized solar cells with an objective to analyze its photovoltaic output and prospect for micro-energy production. Preliminary phytochemical analysis portends S.Anisatum dye as rich in phenols. UV/VIS spectroscopy reveals a porphyrin characteristic absorbance. This research corroborates previousstudies such as photovoltaic output of B.spectabilis DSCs to different electrolytes. The spectral responses revealed 0.065 mA, 140 mV, 5.32 X 10−6 W and 0.86 % respectively as Isc, Voc, Pmax and η highest output value. Although this result is comparatively low to monocrystalline silicon panels, it conforms with existing standard porphyrin efficiency. This study provides impetus for further studies of S.Anisatum DSCs co-sensitization with other dyes and finds application in modelling of material of synthetic origin.