Microwave intervened dye extracted from the fruits of Reutealis trisperma and its persuasive effect on the transport of charge carriers in DSSC

Natural dye extracted from Reutealis trisperma fruit is used as a photosensitizer in the photo-anode of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC). Microwaves are used to treat the dye powder for the optimum utilization of the pigments present without the deterioration of the properties. The wide bandgap of the TiO₂ semiconductor oxide is used as a charge separator and transport interfacial layer to an external circuit. UV–visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence analysis, and FTIR are examined for the dye to determine the absorption wavelength and the functional groups present. Herein, we have investigated the influence of basicity of the extracted dye solution on the photovoltaic parameters. Unfortunately, the raw extracted dye with acidic nature exhibits high efficiency such as open circuit voltage (V_oc) ~ 0.2274 V, J_sc ~ 3.8224 mA/cm², FF ~ 0.2644%, and PCE ~ 0.2298% than the dye with pH value of 12.