Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSC) Based on Titania Nanoparticles and Hibiscus sabdariffa
T. O. Ahmed *
Department of Physics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
P. O. Akusu
Department of Physics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
N. Alu
Physics Advanced Laboratory, Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja, Nigeria.
M. B. Abdullahi
Department of Physics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Natural dye extracts from Hibiscus sabdariffa (popularly called Zobo in Nigeria; Western part of Africa) has been used as a sensitizer for nanosized titania (TiO2) synthesized via hydrothermal route. The SEM-EDS analysis revealed the wide band gap titania (TiO2) to be almost isomorphic phase purity) with spherical particles having diameters in the range 25-40nm. The fabricated Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSC) was tested and found to have photo generated current density of 0.17mAcm-2 and open-circuit voltage value of 460 mV. The fill factor and power-conversion efficiency of the fabricated DSC were determined to be 41% and 0.033% respectively. This combination of natural dye extract with nanosized titania coupled with an appropriate hole transport material promises to provide a cheap, renewable and stable solar cells, paving way for large-scale commercialization in contrast to the expensive silicon based solar cells.
Keywords: Hibiscus sabdariffa, DSC, nanosized titania, photocurrent, open-circuit voltage, power-conversion efficiency