Enhanced efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells using ZNO nanoparticle doping cu from pineapple peel extract with modified natural dye solution

Abstract

Photoanodes and dye solutions are indispensable in the stability and efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells’ performance. In this study, the photoanode uses a ZnO sample doped with Cu, made using a green synthesis technique with bio-reduction from pineapple skin extract. Meanwhile, using the maceration method, the dye solution is made from mulberry fruit extract and moringa leaves. For Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells applications, ZnO photoanodes doped with 1%, 3%, 5%, and 10% Cu were each depleted on ITO glass and immersed in the dye solution for one day. The results were then tested for electrical conductivity and performance in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells. Adding Cu doping concentration to the ZnO photoanode can affect the performance of the Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell. In this work, the ZnO sample doped with 5% Cu as a photoanode showed the highest efficiency at 1.67% with an electron lifetime of 12 ms, compared to the photoanode without Cu doping or with Cu doping at concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 10%. Thus, Cu-doped ZnO nanoparticles and dye solutions from natural materials can be further developed for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells applications.