Publication

Abstract : Natural dyes have been used to sensitize TiO2 nanocrystalline solar cells, but they still require pigment purification and co-adsorption of other compounds. In this study, nanocrystalline ZrO2–TiO2 films sensitized with the bioorganic dye, chlorophyll extracted from green leaves of Chromolaena odorata were investigated. The nanocrystalline ZrO2–TiO2 films were synthesized by the precipitation synthesis. The samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction, UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The photoelectrodes were prepared using ZrO2–TiO2 sensitized with the chlorophyll dye and the counter electrodes using reduced graphene oxide. The shift in the absorption wavelength of chlorophyll showed an increase of adsorption of dye. The conversion efficiency was also studied.