Grape pigment (malvidin-3-fructoside) as natural sensitizer for dye-sensitized solar cells

TiO2 nanocrystalline thin films have various applications, among them dye-sensitized solar cells are more promising and low-cost alternative to conventional inorganic photovoltaic devices. TiO2 nanocrystalline thin films have been sensitized with the natural dye (malvidin-3-fructoside) extracted from grape fruits. The interaction between the semiconductor and the dye has been studied. The maximum absorption band of grape extract at 525 nm has been shifted to 545 nm after incorporation of the dye indicating interaction of the dye molecules with TiO2. The grape extract has polyphenolic anthocyanin pigment (malvidin-3-fructoside), which has carboxylic and hydroxyl groups that can attach effectively to the surface of TiO2 film. The dye-sensitized TiO2-based solar cell sensitized using grape dye exhibited a Jsc of 4.06 mA/cm2, Voc of 0.43 V, FF of 0.33 and efficiency of 0.55 %. Natural dye-sensitized TiO2 photo electrodes present the prospect to be used as an environment-friendly, low-cost alternative system.