Inspiring the World

ORGANIC SOLAR CELL BASED ON EXTRACTION OF PAPAYA (Carica papaya) AND JATROPHA (Ricinus communis) LEAVES IN DSSC (DYE SENSITIZED SOLAR CELL)

Sholeh Hadi Pramono, Eka Maulana, M. Julius St.,  and Teguh Utomo

Electrical Engineering Department, Brawijaya University
Jl. MT Haryono 167 Malang 65145, Ph./Fax: 0341-554166
sholehpramono@ub.ac.id, ekamaulana@ub.ac.id

Abstract

This article shows an experimental result of  DSSCs (Dye Sensitized Solar Cell) fabrication and characterization of based on papaya (Carica papaya L.) leaves and  jatropha (Ricinus communis) leaves. Chlorophyll was extracted from the both leaves as organic dye materials to replace previous solar cells based on inorganic materials such as silicon. A TCO (Transparent Conductive Oxide) was used as a substrate material that surrounds the inner layer of DSSC. TiO₂ nano particles, natural dyes, electrolytes, and counter electrode combined as an donor-acceptor layer. Thick film screen printing method is used for the adhesion of the TiO₂ layer to the substrate. Couples of iodine and tri-iodine electrolyte solution used as an electron donor layer.  We designed the active area cell size of 1.8 x 1.8 cm on two layers of TCO glass substrate. The wavelength absorption measurements of extracted chlorophyll occurs in the spectrum of 300-700nm. We measured open circuit voltages (Voc)  under light illuminance of 18,000 lux are 289 and 245 mV of  papaya and jatropha leaves, respectively. A Sort circuit current was achieved at -17 and -6.7 µA. These cells have already reached fill factors (FF) exceeding 26% and 25%.

Keywords: DSSC, chlorophyll, organic, papaya, jatropha leaves.

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paper (pdf)