SPINACH AND BEETROOT EXTRACTS AS SENSITIZERS FOR ZnO BASED DSSC

Abstract

One of the attractive solutions to third generation photovoltaic approach is to move towards hybrid optoelectronic systems such as Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) which consists of an inorganic-organic hybrid structures. The possibility of achieving sensitization effect from natural dyes is beneficial in terms of biodegradability and cost-effectiveness. In this context, this paper aims to study the extraction process of the natural dyes and its absorption characteristics. The study is carried out on extracts taken out using a very simple approach from beetroot, spinach and a mixture of both. The feasibility of using these dyes on a ZnO based DSSC prototype is investigated.