Natural Photosensitizers on TiO2 films for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

In this work, the effect of three natural photosensitizers (dyes of beetroot, grapes and pomegranate) over TiO2 thin film are investigated. Natural dyes were extracted from beetroot, grapes and pomegranate and mixed with ethanol and coated over TiO₂ thin films prepared by Spray pyrolysis method from titanium diisopropoxide precursors at 450°C. and kept in each dye extract for 15 hours. The optical absorbance and transmittance of dye sensitized TiO₂ thin films determined by UV-visible spectroscopic method, indicated the presence of increased light transmission in the visible spectrum region. The energy band gap (Eg) for TiO₂ thin films sensitized with dyes of beetroot, grapes and pomegranate were found to be 3.18eV, 3.12 eV and 3.14 eV respectively. Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells constructed with natural pigments from fruits and vegetables will enhance light harvesting.