Optical, spectral and photovoltaic characterization of natural dyes extracted from leaves of Peltophorum pterocarpum and Acalypha amentacea used as sensitizers for ZnO based dye sensitized solar cells

摘要

The ZnO nanorods were synthesized using hydrothermal method. The morphologies, crystalline nature and optical properties of the synthesized ZnO nanorods were characterized by X-ray diffractometer, High-resolution scanning electron microscopy [HRSEM], and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopic studies. A thin layer of ZnO nanorods were spread on transparent conducting FTO coated glass plate using Doctor Blade method. Natural dyes extracted from Peltophorum pterocarpum and Acalypha amentacea leaves with solvents such as water and ethanol were used as sensitizers to fabricate dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The extracted dyes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy. The FTIR confirms the presence of anthocyanin, carotene and chlorophyll molecules in the dye extracts. The influence on the different parameters such as open circuit voltage (V-OC) short circuit current (J(SC)), fill factor (FF), and power conversion efficiency (eta) of the dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were analyzed. The ZnO nanorods provide high specific surface area for dye adsorption and the pathway is efficient for electron transportation.