Anthocyanin dyes in titanium dioxide nanoparticle-dye sensitized solar cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells are a class of thin-film solar cells, which can be made using low-cost materials and natural dyes. They can potentially achieve the same efficiency compared to bulky silicon photovoltaic cells, while providing many other advantages. In this research, anthocyanin dyes taken from different fruits were used in titanium dioxide dye-sensitized solar cells. The unique ability of anthocyanin dyes to absorb light and convert it into electrons, makes them useful in dye-sensitized solar cell applications. This study finds the DSSCs made from chemically extracted blackberry-based anthocyanin to give the largest photovoltaic output amongst other fruits examined. The photovoltaic output made from blackberry-based anthocyanin compares well with silicon-based solar cells.