Study on potential of anthocyanin pigment as natural dye sensitizers using ethanol and deionized water for extraction

This research explores the potential of anthocyanin pigments extracted from dragon fruit and mangosteen peel as natural sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The study compares extraction methods using ethanol and deionized water, characterizes the extracted pigments, and evaluates their performance in solar cell applications. UV-Vis spectroscopy reveals higher absorbance and intensity in ethanol extracts, indicating the presence of vibrant pigments like betanin. FTIR analysis provides insights into the complex composition of the extracts. DSSC performance metrics, including open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, current density, fill factor, and conversion efficiency, are assessed. Ethanol extracts of mangosteen peel demonstrate the best overall performance, achieving a remarkable conversion efficiency of 1.01%. The study highlights the influence of extraction solvent, fruit source, and dye characteristics on DSSC performance. The ethanol extraction method emerges as more effective in harnessing anthocyanin pigments for enhanced light harvesting and charge generation in solar cells. The broader and weaker peaks observed in the UV-Vis spectra of ethanol extracts suggest their promising potential for DSSCs. The findings contribute to the understanding of natural dye sensitizers' viability in renewable energy applications. Further optimization and research can unlock the full potential of anthocyanin pigments, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative for future solar cell technologies.