DSSCs based on ZnO photoelectrodes sensitized with natural dyes extracted from the bark of Brazil and Taray

Abstract

We report the extraction of natural dyes from Brazil and Taray bark, the impregnation of these dyes in thin films of ZnO synthesized via sol-gel method and deposited by Doctor Blade and finally the fabrication of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The ZnO/dyes structures were characterized using UV-Visible and infrared spectroscopy. The analysis of the infrared spectra shows that the semiconductors impregnated with the extracted dyes exhibit the characteristic of dye anchorage in ZnO. The photovoltaic performance and efficiency of the assembled DSSCs was evaluated.