Performance evaluation of DSSCs using naturally extracted dyes from petals of Lantana repens and Solidago canadensis flowers as light-harvesting units

Organic solar cells are an excellent alternative to the traditional energy sources turning the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) into a promising choice for low-cost device fabrication. In this paper, a natural dye extracted from petals of Lantana repens and Solidago canadensis flowers was used as light-harvesting units to construct DSSCs. The extracted dyes were optically analyzed using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated the existence of a high concentration of beta-carotene in the Lantana repens flowers and the condensed tannin in the Solidago canadensis flowers. The photoanode and photocathode film morphologies and surface topographies were examined through atomic force microscope (AFM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. The photovoltaic and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies showed the characteristics of the as-fabricated DSSCs and the influence of the extracted dye molecules on the cells' efficiency. The Solidago canadensis and Lantana repens dye extracts showed a photosensitized performance efficiency of 0.31% and 0.12% under AM 1.5G illumination of sunlight, respectively. The application of natural dyes as photosensitizers shows a promising future to extend the studies from the natural dye-based DSSCs for fabrication in large-scale production.

Automated summary

In this study, natural dyes extracted from the petals of Lantana repens and Solidago canadensis flowers were used to construct dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The optical, morphological, and surface properties of the extracted dyes were analyzed. The results showed that natural dyes as photosensitizers have certain effects and can potentially be used in large-scale production.