Dye sensitized solar cell based on TiO₂ nanoparticles and chlorophyll from Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb. leaves

Dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) is a low-cost photo electrochemical solar cell, that belongs to third generation solar cells and known for its easy fabrication procedures. Its working is based on the interfacial kinetics between a photo-sensitized nanocryastalline anode and an electrolyte, with a counter electrode to complete the cell configuration. A lot of research has been conducted due to their interesting potential for low-cost, lightweight, with reasonably good photovoltaic efficiency. Present work reports the dye sensitized solar cells using TiO₂ nanoparticles with Pandanus amaryllifolius chlorophyll as an absorber. P. amaryllifolius leaves are rich in chlorophyll and widely used as natural colorant to impart deep green colour to food products. Moreover, the leaves are rich in basmati aroma volatiles. In the present investigation, chlorophyll pigment was extracted from P. amaryllifolius leaves and nanocrystalline Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) film was prepared by doctor blade method. The Titania films were immersed overnight in the chlorophyll extract for sensitization. An electrolyte solution consisting of Polyiodide was injected into the cell before sealing it. Pt coated FTO was used as counter electrode to assemble the cell configuration before it was characterized for its photovoltaic performance. The photoelectrochemical performance of the fabricated DSSC based on this dye showed 0.14 mA/cm² short circuit current (J _SC ) and 0.125 V open circuit voltage (V _OC ).