Fabrication and Characterization of Natural Dye Sensitized Solar Cells With Red Spinach and Henna Extracts for Enhanced Efficiency

This study evaluates the efficacy of different TiO<inf xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</inf> paste formulations on natural dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) in indoor and outdoor settings. It investigates the impact of various factors, including electrolyte sheet thickness, industrial-grade TiO<inf xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</inf>, and electrolyte concentration, on cell electrical characteristics and durability. Red spinach (Amaranthus cruentus) and henna (Lawsonia inermis) dyes are specifically highlighted as sensitizers. Accurate performance analysis is facilitated by controlled laboratory conditions. DSSCs created with these natural dyes exhibit diverse electrical behaviors under varying conditions. In comparative experiments conducted under the standard AM 1.5G solar spectrum suitable for Bangladesh's environment, red spinach-sensitized cells achieved an efficiency of 0.81%, significantly higher than the 0.018% efficiency of henna-sensitized cells.