Abstract |
Reddish-brown anthocyanins from Henna leaves (Lawsonia inermis) extracted in ethanol (A) and mixture of Ethanol and water in the ratio 4:1 by volume (B) were employed as TiO2 dyesensitizers. Solar cells sensitized by extracts A achieved up to Jsc 1.870 mAcm-2 0.61V, FF 0.58 and η 0.66%, while for extract B sensitized cells the values determined were Jsc 1.35 mAcm-2 Voc 0.59V, FF 0.65 and η 0.52%. Long period stability in efficiency of the cells investigated revealed a drastic degradation of 13.64% in the efficiency of cell prepared using A and a fairly stability in efficiency in that of B cell. The results obtained with extracts A and B confirmed that Ethanol could be considered not suitable as solvent for the extraction of natural dye used as sensitizer in dye sensitized solar cell operations. This study also represents an environmentally friendly alternative for dyesensitized solar cells with low cost production and an excellent system for educational purposes.
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Keywords and phrases
anthocyanins, Lawsonia inermis, solar cells, solvent.
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