Performance of Natural Carotenoids from <i>Musa aromatica</i> and <i>Citrus medic</i>a var Lemon as Photosensitizers for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with TiO<sub>2</sub> Nanoparticle

Abstract

Several natural dyes have been extracted from tropical fruit shells such as Musa aromatica and Citrus medica var Lemon fruit shells. The resulting dyes have been used as sensitizer at dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The main pigments, which are carotenoids, was obtained by extraction and purification at dark room. Ethanol and water are used as solvents. The dyes have been characterized through UV–Vis spectrophotometer. The thin film of TiO2 anatase has been sintered at 450°C to enhance film compactness. According to the experimental results, the DSSC conversion efficiency which has been prepared by carotenoid dye from Musa aromatica fruit shell extract is 0.21%, 0.614 V of open-circuit voltage (VOC), 0,280 of short-circuit current density (JSC) mA/cm2, 56 μW of maximum power (Pmax) and 0.43 of fill factor (FF). Then, the DSSC conversion efficiency which has been prepared by carotenoid dye from Citrus medica var Lemon fruit shell extract is 0.05%, 0.460 V of VOC, 0.093 mA/cm2 of JSC, 14 μW of Pmax and 0.44 of FF. The measurement of I-V curve demonstrated that carotenoid was potential component as sensitizer for DSSC.