A Study on the Application of Solar Cells Sensitized With a Blackberry-Based Natural Dye for Power Generation

Abstract

This research paper is aimed at evaluating the use of natural dyes from blackberry (Rubus glaucus) obtained naturally for their subsequent application in laboratory solar cells to place them in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) for the generation of electrical energy. The problem of the study is the high demand generated by global warming. Natural dyes were used to sensitize six solar cells, which were tested for their ability to absorb ultraviolet and visible light using a spectrophotometer in the ultraviolet-visible range, a solar simulator, and a current-voltage tester. The voltmeter was used to show how much energy each solar cell emitted over eight to 18 hours of daylight, with a required absorbance of 400-500 nm using six solar cells that had been sensitized with natural dyes. To reduce the high demand generated by global warming, use natural dyes from plant species as a supplement to improve efficiency in capturing renewable energy (solar) and converting it into electrical energy. Blackberries are lyophilized and then macerated for one day at room temperature in a dark, cool place to maximize dye’s absorption. With two electrodes, the photo and contra, and an electrolyte in between, a Gratzel-type DSSC can be built. Using the doctor blade technique, the titanium dioxide film is added to the fluorine-doped tin oxide (TiO2) in the photoelectrode. By immersion, a natural colourant is then applied. TiO2 glass with a platinum film deposited on it serves as the counterelectrode.