Innovating dye-sensitized solar cells through novel microalgal and cyanobacterial species extricated dyes: A sustainable tack for material scarce earth

Abstract

This study explores the integration of novel microalgae and cyanobacteria-based photo harvesters into natural dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). These embedded pigments forming dyes can replace toxic chemical dyes and in the cultivation process eliminate the issues of waste water and air present carbon dioxide. The species taken were microalgal namely Asterarcys quadricellulare and Scenedesmus sp. and cyanobacteria named Cronbergia siamensis and Calothrix sp. DSSCs efficiencies were examined after coating with extracted natural dyes along with voltage, current, and fill factor as among the performance criteria that were extensively assessed. Long-term stability and comparisons with traditional DSSCs were performed and reported in this article. Here, J-V analysis confirmed that Glass/ FTO/ c-TiO2/ 1-D TiO2/ CR (methanol)/electrolyte/carbon achieved the highest PCE at 1.04 % for Cronbergia siamensis, along with a remarkable VOC of 1520 mV and a JSC of 1.297 mA/cm2 for the same device. Whereas ethanol-based highest efficiency was achieved by the extracts of the same species and stood at 0.70 %, and VOC at 1265 mV and JSC at 0.921 mA/cm2. Results have indicated that such natural upgrades in energy production through solar extraction can create a never-ending fuel through supplementation by the cells or dyes of microalgae and cyanobacteria. © 2024 International Solar Energy Society