PENINGKATAN PERFORMA DYE SENSITIZED SOLAR CELL (DSSC) BERBASIS TIO₂ MESOPORI DAN PEWARNA ALAMI ANTOSIANIN: PENGARUH SURFACTANT DAN WAKTU ADSORPSI
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Published:
Oct 16, 2025
Keywords:
: DSSC, Mesoporous TiO₂, Anthocyanin, Red Spinach, Coprecipitation, Efficiency
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Abstract
Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) offer a cheaper, more flexible, and eco-friendly alternative to silicon-based solar cells. This research aims to enhance the efficiency of DSSCs by optimizing the photoanode material (TiO2) and the sensitizer (dye). Mesoporous TiO2 was successfully synthesized using the coprecipitation method with the aid of CTAB surfactant to increase the specific surface area. The natural dye used was Red Spinach (Amaranthus tricolor) extract, rich in anthocyanin pigments. DSSC fabrication was performed using the doctor blade technique on FTO glass substrates. The study variables included material comparison (Mesoporous TiO2 vs. Technical-grade TiO2) and electrode soaking time (2, 4, and 6 hours). Characterization results showed that the use of Mesoporous TiO2 yielded the highest efficiency of 1.85% (Jsc = 6.50 mA/cm2, Voc = 0.52 V, FF = 0.54), significantly outperforming the technical-grade TiO2 which only achieved 1.25%. This efficiency enhancement is attributed to the smaller crystal size of TiO2 (2.751 nm), which increases the surface area for dye adsorption, and the optimum soaking time of 6 hours. These findings confirm the potential of Mesoporous TiO2 and natural anthocyanin dyes for sustainable DSSC development.
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Main Article Content
Abstract
Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) offer a cheaper, more flexible, and eco-friendly alternative to silicon-based solar cells. This research aims to enhance the efficiency of DSSCs by optimizing the photoanode material (TiO2) and the sensitizer (dye). Mesoporous TiO2 was successfully synthesized using the coprecipitation method with the aid of CTAB surfactant to increase the specific surface area. The natural dye used was Red Spinach (Amaranthus tricolor) extract, rich in anthocyanin pigments. DSSC fabrication was performed using the doctor blade technique on FTO glass substrates. The study variables included material comparison (Mesoporous TiO2 vs. Technical-grade TiO2) and electrode soaking time (2, 4, and 6 hours). Characterization results showed that the use of Mesoporous TiO2 yielded the highest efficiency of 1.85% (Jsc = 6.50 mA/cm2, Voc = 0.52 V, FF = 0.54), significantly outperforming the technical-grade TiO2 which only achieved 1.25%. This efficiency enhancement is attributed to the smaller crystal size of TiO2 (2.751 nm), which increases the surface area for dye adsorption, and the optimum soaking time of 6 hours. These findings confirm the potential of Mesoporous TiO2 and natural anthocyanin dyes for sustainable DSSC development.