Comparison of three Finnish berries as sensitizers in a dye-sensitized solar cell
Jarkko Etula
Published online on November 7th, 2012
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to determine which of the three Finnish berries – strawberry, lingonberry or blackcurrant – is the most effective ethanol-dissolved sensitizer in a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC). The comparison is based on energy conversion efficiencies of assembled berry DSCs by conducting current-voltage measurements. Additionally, absorption spectrum measurements of each berry extract are conducted for anthocyanin content comparison and evaluation. Extensive background information is provided in accordance to the analysis of the empirical data obtained. Results show DSCs sensitized by blackcurrant achieve the highest energy conversion efficiency. Therefore, within the context of this empirical setup, blackcurrant shows to be the most suitable sensitizer for a dye-sensitized solar cell.
Download the full article in .pdf
About the author
Jarkko Etula (born 1991) is an undergraduate student at Aalto University. Since Autumn 2012 he has worked as a research assistant in the New Energy Technologies group of Aalto School of Science with current interests in dye-sensitized solar cell optimization to develop purification methods for dyes N3 and N719. His previous work experience includes the Department of Chemistry at the University of Jyväskylä (June-August, 2012) where he also worked as a research assistant under Prof. Jouko Korppi-Tommola.
Cite as
Etula, J. (2012). Comparison of three Finnish berries as sensitizers in a dye-sensitized solar cell. European Journal for Young Scientists and Engineers, 1(1), 5–23.