Passiflora edulis and Cocos nucifera extracts as light-harvesters for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells, termed as DSSC's have been gaining interest from researchers and industry in the last few years. Such an interest derives from their low-cost manufacturing and easy processing to replace conventional silicon cells. A DSSC operating system consists of three steps: a photoelectrode (anode), an electrolyte solution and a counter electrode (cathode). The dyes aims to expand the absorption band of the device. The most popular dyes are those containing anthocyanins that exist in leaves, fruits, roots, among others. Two photosensitizing natural dyes are proposed in this paper: a passion fruit (Passi-flora eduris) and green coconut (Cocos n ucifera). Measurements such as structural and morphological, optical characterization and electrochemical analyzes of the photoelectrode coated with TiO
₂
and platinum were performed. The photo-voltaic efficient performance were measured and compared with the literature. The electrolytic solution made in laboratory fulfilled its function, regenerating the dye with ions. The results showed that Passiflora eduris dye showed the best efficiency 0.52% compared to other types of fruits in the literature. The results reveal that both present good performance for DSSC's manufacturing.