Abstract
Sensitizer is used as an antenna to capture light in dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC). It is the most important element in affecting the efficiency of DSSC. The present used photosensitizer like ruthenium dye complexes are toxic and expensive, so finding a clean, cheap and efficient photosensitizer is highly desirable. Anthocyanin (ACN) is a natural pigment from plants, existing in huge amount. In this study, the ACN extracted from red cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f.rubra) was used as photosensitizer and various assembly and working conditions were tested to characterize and optimize the anthocyanin-based solar cell. The effects of several coadsorbents including deoxycholic acid (DCA) and fatty acids were studied and their addition was shown to significantly increase the efficiency. Under our experimental conditions, the average efficiency was around 1%, and the best was 1.4%. On account of its variable color, safety, low cost, and accessibility, natural ACN has the potential to become a new choice of photosensitizer in the future.