Abstract
The purpose of this article is to fabricate an effective solar cell from extracts of Aloe Vera, False Daisy, Papaya leaves, and a cocktail of these extracts in a side-by-side configuration. The sensitization time of photoanode-based DSSC and the extraction procedure of the natural dye sensitizers were optimized and analyzed. The absorbance spectra of the natural dyes and the characteristic functionalities of the dye molecules were examined by using UV–Vis and FTIR Spectrum. DSSCs photovoltaic characteristics were analyzed by various parameters such as open circuit voltage, short circuit current, fill factor, and light to electron conversion efficiency. The nano TiO2-based DSSC by using Cocktail extract reported an efficiency of about 1.79% whereas Aloe Vera extract attained an efficiency of about 0.75% respectively. Among the dyes considered in terms of solar cell output, the combination extract in ethanol has displayed comparatively high photosensitization effects due to solvent properties.
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•The maximum photon-sensitization performance attained by conventional cocktail sensitizers in ethanol treated TiO2 based DSSC is 1.79%.•Similarly independent dyes such as Aloe Vera gel and Carica papaya in ethanol also exhibit better efficiencies around 0.75% and 0.39% respectively.•The study also suggests ethanol as the optimum solvent for attaining best energy conversion efficiency compared to deionized water.