การศึกษาสมรรถนะของเซลล์แสงอาทิตย์ชนิดสีย้อมไวแสงที่ใช้สีย้อมจากขมิ้น

Tipawan Rungsawang; Sucheewan Krobthong; Kritsada Hongsith; Supab Choopun; Sutthipoj Wongrerkdee

Authors

Tipawan Rungsawang Department of Physical and Material Sciences, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, 73140, Thailand
Sucheewan Krobthong Department of Physical and Material Sciences, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, 73140, Thailand
Kritsada Hongsith Department of Physics and Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiangmai 50200, Thailand
Supab Choopun Department of Physics and Materials Science, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiangmai 50200, Thailand
Sutthipoj Wongrerkdee Department of Physical and Material Sciences, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science, Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand

Keywords:

Solar cells, natural dyes, Curcuma longa, Curcuminoids

Abstract

This work investigates the development of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) using a natural dye extracted from Curcuma longa powder in ethanol and magnetic stirring at 820 rpm for 30 minutes at 25 °C. A photoelectrode was then prepared from zinc oxide (ZnO) coating onto conductive glass and immersing in the extract dye. The dye-sensitized photoelectrode was assembled with a platinum counter electrode to fabricate the DSSCs. Optical characterization of the turmeric solution using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy showed the absorption peak at 420 nm corresponding to the p®p* electronic transition within the conjugated structure of curcumin molecules. Functional group analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of hydroxyl and carbonyl groups, which enhance the anchoring of dye molecules onto ZnO surfaces. Photovoltaic test of the DSSCs showed the short-circuit current density and open-circuit voltage of 1.02 ± 0.22 mA/cm² and 0.35 ± 0.01 V, respectively, resulting in the power conversion efficiency of 0.13 ± 0.04%. Although a low PCE was observed, the photovoltaic results demonstrate that turmeric-derived dye exhibits potential as a natural sensitizer for DSSC applications and may serve as a promising approach toward the development of low-cost and environmentally friendly solar cells.

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