Effect of Mixed Ratios of Mangosteen Peel (Garcinia mangostana L.) and Grass Jelly Leaf (Cyclea barbata L. Miers) Natural Dyes on the Performance of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC)

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are promising low-cost and environmentally friendly photovoltaic devices, especially when utilizing natural sensitizers. This study explores the effect of concentration ratios of natural dyes extracted from mangosteen peel (MP) and grass jelly leaves (GJL) on the optical, morphological, and photovoltaic properties of DSSCs. Dye solutions were prepared at a fixed concentration of 0.6 g/mL, with the MP:GJL volume ratio varied at 3:1, 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3. As a result, UV-Vis absorption spectra showed that the MP contributes to the UV-blue region (350-450), while the GJL contributes to the red region (650-700 nm). The current-voltage (J-V) analysis showed that the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of MP and GJL dyes is 2.75% and 2.12%. The composite dye with a 1:3 (MP:GJL) ratio yielded the highest PCE of 3.50%, demonstrating the synergistic effect of combining these natural sensitizers to broaden the light absorption spectrum.