Study of Natural Dyes for Sensitized Solar Cells Applications

We have synthesized and used several natural dyes such as extracted from: Spinach, Beet, Henna, Strawberry, Red cabbage, and Mloukhia. The absorption of the extracted dyes diluted in ethanol or distilled water were measured using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. We have studied the topology of these films by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of synthesized TiO2. The contents of Ti and O of synthesized TiO2 are 30 % and 50 % corresponding to closely Ti 4+ state. The absorption of the TiO2 thin films immersed in these dyes was also measured in order to tune the change. The absorption in Beet and Red cabbage is more significant compared to other natural dyes. Copyright © 2014 IFSA Publishing, S. L.