Design of dye-sensitized solar cells using dyes derived from local products of the eastern Black Sea Region

Solar energy is a highly significant sustainable and clean energy source. Solar cells developed in this field employ various technologies as alternatives to conventional silicon-based structures. Among these, Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) stand out due to their low production cost and ease of fabrication. This study investigates the photovoltaic performance of natural dyes extracted from fragrant black grape, black cherry laurel, and likarba, which are indigenous to the Eastern Black Sea region, as potential alternatives to the commercial N719 dye in DSSCs. The research encompasses natural dye extraction, TiO₂ thin film deposition, and DSSC assembly, followed by the determination of key photovoltaic parameters, including short-circuit current density, open-circuit voltage, fill factor, and power conversion efficiency. Data analysis was conducted using Excel and SigmaPlot, while scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were utilized for structural characterization. The findings indicate that natural dyes can be employed in DSSCs; however, their efficiency remains lower compared to commercial dyes. Nevertheless, among the natural dyes tested, fragrant likarba demonstrated superior photovoltaic performance. These results suggest that natural dyes hold promise as sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives for DSSC applications.