Photodetector Characterization Based on DSSC (Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell)

Abstract

A photodetector performance as a light sensor based on the design and material of DSSC (Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell) has been characterized. Oxide Semiconductor nanoparticle of TiO2 and extracted natural dye are used to absorb and convert incident photon to electric energy using a sandwich structure of 1.5 x 1.5 cm2 active area. The sensor materials were used include TCO (Transparent Conductive Oxide) glass as substrate, electrolyte solution and carbon. Method of TiO2 deposition to the TCO glass substrate is spin coating and firing at 1,500 rpm and 450 °C, respectively. Natural dye was extracted from green algae by a different variation of solution concentration according to the ratio of mass and volume. The chlorophyll absorbance was investigated by spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 300-800 nm. SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) is used to observe TiO2-coated TCO glass morphology. Fabricated sensors are characterized according to the electrical parameters of voltage and current towards light illuminance from the light source. This natural dye-based optical photodetector performance has been analysed to obtain linearity, sensitivity, uncertainty error, and other electrical transient response characteristics. The result of extracted chlorophyte absorbance shows a wavelength peak at 580 to 680 nm with different intensity; it indicates the visible light absorbance spectra occurred. Sensor measurement using light illumination up to 30,000 lux produces the highest rated voltage of 626.4 mV and current 78,7 (µA) at the ratio of 6:5 (m:v) solution. This sensor has a voltage sensitivity of 1,0875 mV/10lux and the current sensitivity of 0.0024 µA/lux. The voltage and current uncertainty error are 0.36% and 0.481%, respectively.