Clean and cheap device, namely dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated using a natural dye extracted from Sambucus ebulus. We prepared five sample solutions with various pH in the extraction process to improve power conversion efficiency. The UV–visible absorption investigation of sample solutions and on photoanode show the dyes from J-type aggregation on a photoanode substrate. Redox properties of all sample solutions certify thermodynamically a charge transfer from excited state to conduction band TiO₂. The optical properties of various dye solutions were investigated and results showed darkness and bluish tint effect of dye solutions extracted in basic environment rather than those extracted in acidic condition. Moreover, in comparison to the basic condition, the dye solutions extracted in acidic environment were more saturated and colorimetrically less different from that one which extracted in neutral condition. Photophysical and photoelectrochemical performance of natural extraction dyes have been studied in dye-sensitized solar cell devices. The results show the rather high conversion efficiency of 0.57%, 1.15%, 1.02%, 0.35% and 0.15% of each individual dye extraction, respectively.

Four dye-sensitized solar cell devices are designed and fabricated based on natural dyes extracted from Celosia Cristata, Saffron, Cynoglossum, and eggplant peel, as photosensitizers. The UV–vis technique has been served to determine maximum absorption of natural extract and pre-dyed photoanode. The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) was employed to cover the presence of functional groups. The cyclic voltammetry method has been employed to assess the possibility of charge transfer from dried natural dyes to the photoelectrode. The performance of natural-based dye-sensitized solar cells is determined subsequently. The highest power conversion efficiency was ca. 1.38%, which belonged to Celosia Cristata extract. The devices were examined for higher efficiencies, individually, co-sensitized arrangement and/or in tandem with each other.

Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) based on indigo dyes exhibit suitable conversion efficiency. These organic dyes have been undergone for aggregation. Electron transfer process is reduced due to an aggregation of molecular dyes. Therefore, anti-aggregation agent is commonly utilized in fabrication of DSSCs. In the present study, two anti-aggregation agents namely as 3α,7α-dihydroxy-5β-cholanic acid (cheno) and 3α,7α,12α-trihydroxy-5β-cholanic acid (cholic acid) were added to indigo dye solution in DSSCs in order to determine the photovoltaic parameters such as short circuit photocurrent, open circuit voltage and conversion efficiency of each individual dye in the absence and presence of anti-aggregation agents. The results show that the conversion efficiencies are improved with reduced aggregation. Spectrophotometric evaluations of the indigo dyes in solution and on a TiO₂ substrate were carried out in the absence and presence of anti-aggregation agents in order to estimate changes in the status of the dyes in different environments. J-type aggregates on the nano TiO₂ are reduced in the presence of anti-aggregation agents.