Carotenoid pigment as sensitizers for applications of dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC)

Abstract

A dye-sensitized solar cell is the third generation of solar cells that can convert solar energy into electrical energy using photo-electrochemical principles. Natural dye extracted from carotenoid pigments such as orange fruits, carrots, and tomatoes. The absorbance of dye and TiO2 were characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The chemical bond contained TiO2/dye were characterized using FTIR spectrophotometer. The efficiency of DSSC was calculated using I-V meter Keithley. The absorbance spectra results show that carotenoid dyes have peaked in the wavelength range of 400 nm-510 nm. The highest efficiency was obtained from tomatoes dye at 0.03% due to the interaction between TiO2 and carboxyl –OH group. Adsorption of carotenoid dyes on the surface of TiO2 can be used as the photosensitizer for DSSC.