Natural dye solar cell: Conductive transparent oxide, photo anode, sensitizers, electrolyte, and γ-radiation response

ABSTRACT

This article represents the gamma irradiation effects on the experimental details of prepared natural dye solar cell (NDSC) components. The optical absorption and physical characteristics of NDSC components were investigated by using different techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, Scanning Electron Microscope, and UV−Vis absorption Spectroscopy. The average optical energy gap of the natural fruit dyes was found 2.1 ± 0.3 eV. The transmittance onset of conductive transparent oxide was blue shifted with the increase of gamma dose. Optical energy gap of the electrolyte was calculated to have a value of 2.61 eV. The maximum peaks of incident photon to current efficiency spectrum were found for SnO₂ (undoped) film at 515 nm and for SnO₂:Sb (doped) film at 550 nm. The short current and open voltage were found to be 0.92 mA and 0.44 V, respectively, for doped film.

KEYWORDS:

• Natural solar cell
• fresh fruits
• optical
• electrical
• morphology
• thermal
• γ-irradiation