Dye-sensitized solar cells using Aloe Vera and Cladode of Cactus extracts as natural sensitizers

摘要

The purpose of this study is to develop dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) from natural plant-based dyes, extracted from the Cladode (nopal) of the Thornless Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica), the gel of Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller), and the combination of Cladode and Aloe Vera extracts on side-by-side configuration. Optical properties were analyzed using UV-Vis Absorption and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Open circuit voltages (V-OC) varied from 0.440 to 0.676 V, fill factors (FF) were greater than 40%, short-circuit photocurrent densities (J(SC)) ranged from 0.112 to 0.290 mA/cm(2) and highest conversion efficiency of 0.740% was reported for the Cladode DSSC. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.