ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Photovoltaic and thermodynamic analysis of maytenus ilicifolia as a natural dye for DSSC

Letícia Fernanda Gonçalves Larsson, Jéssica de Lara Andrade, Marilei de Fátima Oliveira, Ana Paula Peron, Everson do Prado Banczek, and Gideã Taques Tractz

Chemistry Departament, Universidade Estadual Do Centro Oeste, Guarapuava, Brazil

E-mail: gide.tractz@hotmail.com

Received: 28 February 2025  Accepted: 18 June 2025

Abstract:

In this study, Maytenus ilicifolia, a native South American plant known for antioxidant properties, is explored as a natural dye for DSSC. The dye solar device was assembled with natural sensitizer, TiO₂ as an anode, Pt as counter electrode, and I₃⁻/3I⁻ as electrolyte. The presence of auxochromes and chromophore groups in dye composition suggests its potential as a sensitizer. Electrochemical characterization demonstrated a current of 0.45 mA cm⁻² under illumination, with PCE of 0.183% and FF equal to 0.610. Temperature dependence analysis using a Peltier cell showed a decrease in V_OC from 510 to 410 mV at temperatures of 17.5 °C and 39.0 °C, respectively. The thermal sensitivity was calculated with a voltage drop of -9 mV/°C, suggesting a strong dependence on temperature, mainly due to enhanced recombination at higher temperatures. These findings suggest that DSSC using Maytenus ilicifolia may perform more efficiently in cooler environments, where recombination losses are minimized.

Keywords: PV system; Grätzel cell; Natural dye; Temperature dependence; Gibbs free energy

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-025-04208-z

Chemical Papers 79 (10) 6627–6634 (2025)