The Effect of Different Solvents in Natural Dyes from Roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) and Green Tea Leaves (Camellia Sinensis) for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell

Abstract A dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) fabricated using anthocyanin or chlorophyll natural dye extract coming from Roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffa) and Green Tea leaves (Camellia Sinensis). Both dye pigmentations were extracted using different alcohol-based solvent, namely, ethanol, methanol and mixed (ethanol + methanol) to identify whether the different solvents give the effect during the dye extraction. The performance of the electron transfer interaction between the natural dye and Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) was determined. The photovoltaic response of DSSC was collected by recording the data of I-V characteristic under illumination. The DSSC using the Roselle dye extract yielded the following results; Voc = 0.001 V, Jsc = 0.00868(mA/cm2), FF = 0.3554 and η = 0.00142% which is coming from the mixed solvent. On the other hand, the green tea dye extract yielded the following results; Voc = 0.3985, Jsc = 0.000797 (mA/cm2), FF = 0.3985 and η = 0.0000752% which is coming from the methanol solvent.