Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSC) Based on Titania Nanoparticles and Hibiscus sabdariffa

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.