Optimized dye-sensitized solar cells: A comparative study with different dyes, mordants and construction parameters

Carminic acid extracted from cochineal insect as photosensitizer for dye‐sensitized solar cells

“…In particular, natural dyes as sensitizers are promising for getting low-cost DSSCs since they can simply be extracted from leaves, fruits, and insects available in nature. [5][6][7][8][9][10] The previous studies have shown that synthetic dyes are superior to natural ones in several respects, for example, a better efficiency and a higher durability. DSSCs, of course, were more interested in photoactive dyes directly extracted from natural sources to reveal what they can do than in what they really are.…”

“…DSSCs, of course, were more interested in photoactive dyes directly extracted from natural sources to reveal what they can do than in what they really are. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Moreover, the putative advantages of natural dyes, such as reduced cost and increasing flexibility, have driven the replacement of synthetic dyes with naturally derived alternatives in the course of time. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Furthermore, natural dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical solar cells exhibited respectable photovoltaic conversion efficiencies of up to 2% and with good stability.…”

“…[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Moreover, the putative advantages of natural dyes, such as reduced cost and increasing flexibility, have driven the replacement of synthetic dyes with naturally derived alternatives in the course of time. [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Furthermore, natural dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical solar cells exhibited respectable photovoltaic conversion efficiencies of up to 2% and with good stability. 13 This also created a new interest area where natural dyes compete with one another.…”

“…As a natural dye, carminic acid (CA) obtained from cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus Costa, 1829) includes carboxylate groups which are suitable to anchor to the surface of TiO 2 . 8 Moreover, its molecular orbital levels are also appropriate with TiO 2 to provide charge transport from the sensitizer (CA) to TiO 2 . 10 Ultimately, it enhances absorption ability of the photoanode in visible region.…”

“…17 The CA has been used as a sensitizer in DSSCs. Rangel et al 8 employed a dye obtained from achiote (Bixa orellana) and the mixture of it with the CA to have DSSCs. The highest output power for the DSSCs was reported with the mixture.…”