Preparation and Characterization of Dye Sensitized Solar Cell Using Natural Dye Extract from Red Amaranth (Amaranthus sp.) as Sensitizer

Authors

Jasim Uddin, Institute of Radiation and Polymer Technology, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box 3787, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.\\ Department of Physics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh.Follow
Jahid M M Islam, nstitute of Radiation and Polymer Technology, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box 3787, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.Follow
Ejajul Karim, Institute of Radiation and Polymer Technology, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box 3787, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.\\ Department of Physics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh.Follow
Shuak M M Khan, Institute of Radiation and Polymer Technology, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box 3787, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.Follow
Shireen Akhter, Materials Science Division, Atomic Energy Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh.Follow
Enamul Hoque, Department of Physics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh.Follow

Abstract

Dye Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) were assembled with crystalline titanium dioxide (TiO2) coating on a conductive glass (Indium doped tin oxide, ITO) and absorbed with a novel natural dye extracted from red amaranth (Amaranthus sp.). Solvents of various polarities such as water, ethanol, methanol and acetone were used to extract the dye. Dye sensitization time of TiO2 electrode and solvent for extracting dyes were optimized considering photoelectric output. Again, different polar portions of crude dyes were separated using various polar solvents by means of thin layer and column chromatography technique. The best light to electricity conversion efficiency was obtained when sensitization time of electrode was 30 min and dyes were extracted by acetone in crude form. Sample showed maximum cell voltage 0.492 V, current density 0.78 mA/cm2 and cell efficiency 0.22%.

Recommended Citation

Uddin, Jasim; M M Islam, Jahid; Karim, Ejajul; M M Khan, Shuak; Akhter, Shireen; and Hoque, Enamul (2015) "Preparation and Characterization of Dye Sensitized Solar Cell Using Natural Dye Extract from Red Amaranth (Amaranthus sp.) as Sensitizer," International Journal of Thin Film Science and Technology: Vol. 4 : Iss. 2 , PP -.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/ijtfst/vol4/iss2/12