Investigation of the optical properties of some dyes from selected plants with the aim of incorporating them in dye-sensitized solar cells

Efurumibe E. L. and Amaghionyeodiwe C. A.

African Journal of Engineering Research
Published: January 20 2016
Volume 4, Issue 1
Pages 1-5

Abstract

This study focuses on the optical characteristics of some selected dyes meant for use in dye-sensitized solar cells. Out of the eight samples of dyes studied, three were selected for use in three dye-sensitized solar cells. The three dyes that were selected were from Canarium schweinfurthii leaf, Azadirachta indica leaf and bitter kola leaf. These dyes were selected because of their relatively high absorbance values (0.74, 0.65 and 0.58%, respectively) which they recorded within the visible light wavelength. It was believed that with this relatively high absorbance values, the dyes could harvest greater amount of solar radiation falling on them, when incorporated in dye-sensitized solar cells.

Keywords: Dyes, solar cells, absorbance, reflectance.

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