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Utilization of Naturally Occurring Dyes as Sensitizers in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells

Dye sensitized Solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated with four naturally occurring anthocyanin dyes extracted from naturally found fruits/ juices (viz. Indian Jamun, Plum, Black Currant and Berries) as sensitizers. Extraction of anthocyanin was done using acidified ethanol. The highest power conversion efficiencies (η) of 0.55% and 0.53% were achieved for the DSSCs fabricated using anthocyanin extracts of blackcurrant and mixed berry juice. Widespread availability of these fruits/juices, high concentration of anthocyanins in them and ease of extraction of anthocyanin dyes from these commonly available fruits render them novel and inexpensive candidates for solar cell fabrication.