Abstract
The study focuses on the application of natural fruit extract of blackberry in dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSC) as a photosensitiser. The widespread availability of the fruits and juices, high concentration of anthocyanins in them ease of extraction of anthocyanin dyes from these commonly available fruits, enable them as a novel and inexpensive candidates for solar cell fabrication. Anthocyanins are naturally occurring biodegradable and non-toxic compounds that can be extracted with minimal environmental impact and provide environmentally benign alternatives for manufacturing dyes in DSSC synthesis. Indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films are synthesised using sol-gel and spin-coating techniques. ITO characteristics are determined by x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transforms infrared spectra (FTIR) measurements. To find the transmittance percentage in the visible region of thin films, atomic force microscope (AFM) and UV-Vis spectroscopy analyses were done. The nanocrystalline phase of the synthesised ITO films was confirmed through XRD. SEM was used to analyse the morphology of the synthesised ITO films. Cubic, columnar (edge length ~ 35-45 nm) and rod-shaped (~110 x 14) particles were observed. Narrow size distribution was observed for spherical particles in the range of ~13-15 nm. The FTIR analysis revealed the presence of carboxyl and hydroxide functional groups. The AFM analysis revealed the uniform spread of the synthesised dye, while the visible region absorbance and transmittance of the synthesised ITO films were confirmed through UV-vis spectroscopy. The thin films showed 83-86% of average transmittance. Finally, we fabricated a dye-sensitised solar cell with desired properties. The characterisation results confirmed that the synthesised material could be used in the DSSC application.
Highlights
The dye-sensitised solar cell (DSSC) is a third-generation photovoltaic (PV) that has a simple manufacturing method and the potential for cheap manufacturing costs [1]
The synthesised Indium tin oxide (ITO) film was characterised using x-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscope (AFM), Fourier transforms infrared spectra (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV-visible spectroscopy to account for Morphology, crystallinity, uniform distribution, functional group, morphology, and transmittance
ITO thin films were synthesised from sol-gel spin-coating techniques using natural plant extract, and the properties of ITO films were studied
Summary
The dye-sensitised solar cell (DSSC) is a third-generation photovoltaic (PV) that has a simple manufacturing method and the potential for cheap manufacturing costs [1]. KEYWORDS Indium Tin Oxide; Sol-gel; Natural fruit extract; Dye-sensitised solar cells; Blackberry Kenneth Obi et al [1] choose Opuntia Phaeacantha and Morus Rubra natural colours to sensitise TiO2 photoanodes in DSSCs. The raw prickly pear extract shows higher photovoltaic performance than any eluates, with a PV efficiency of 0.73%. The results showed that the DSSC based on chlorophyll dye performed best, with a power conversion efficiency of 0.17%.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
