Abstract:
Solar cells gather energy from the sun and convert it to electrical energy. A dye-sensitized solar cell uses molecules with strong absorption characteristics in the visible range to broaden the absorption spectrum of semiconductors like TiO2, which only absorb in the ultraviolet range. Some natural fruits, like cherries, are known to contain anthocyanin pigments which absorb light between 500 and 600 nm. An extraction procedure using ethanol was followed to obtain cherry (Prunus avium) pigments. A deep red color solution was obtained after filtration of the extract. The solution was characterized using a UV-VIS spectrophotometer, an absorption peak was found at 535 nm. The efficiency of the dye-sensitized solar cells modified by the cherry pigment extract will be investigated.