Green synthesis of CuO nanoparticles from Cucurbita maxima leaf extract; a platinum free counter electrode for dye sensitized solar cells
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Green synthesis of metal oxides has attracted attention as the latest technology in synthesizing metal oxide nanoparticles due to its simplicity, cheapness, non-toxicity and its ability for large scale production. Metal oxides find applications in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) as counter electrodes (CEs) and photo-anodes. However, applications of green synthesized metal oxides as counter electrodes have not been fully explored. In this study, CuO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized from Cucurbita maxima leaf extract and applied as a CE in DSSC. Uniformly synthesized CuO NPs were subjected to various characterization tools to obtain the crystal structure, surface morphology, particle size, optical properties, chemical bonds and photovoltaic properties. Using a natural dye from of Cucurbita maxima as a photon absorber, a short circuit current density ( Jsc) of 4.2 µA/cm2, open circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.17 V, a maximum power (Pmax) of 0.18 mW/cm2, and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.8 × 10?4 % under one-sun illumination were obtained.
Institutions: Kyambogo University, University of South Africa
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $140
OpenAlex ID: W4405451968