Gum Arabic-Assisted TiO? Photoanode Fabrication for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Sensitized with Natural Dye Extracted from Bicolor Sorghum

Isa M Mukhtar, Aliyu K Isiyaku, Nicodemus Kure, Auwal M Imam, Isah Mustapha, Tasiu Jamila, and Ibrahim Mustapha
2026-06-25 37 views 0 downloads

 

The stability and efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are often limited by the degradation of key components, including dyes, electrolytes, and electrodes. This study investigates the effect of gum Arabic as a biopolymeric binder on TiO2 photoanode fabrication and the photovoltaic performance of DSSCs sensitized with a natural dye extracted from Sorghum bicolor grains. TiO2 films were prepared using the doctor-blade technique with gum Arabic concentrations of 0.56 g (Sample A) and 1.25 g (Sample B). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed O–H and C–O–C functional groups that promote dye adsorption and film stability, while UV–Visible spectroscopy confirmed strong absorption in the ultraviolet–visible region, extending the spectral response of TiO2. Photovoltaic performance was evaluated using current–voltage (I–V) measurements under dark and illuminated conditions. Sample B exhibited the best performance under illumination, with Voc = 0.60 V, Jsc = 1.50 mA/cm², Vmax = 0.46 V, Imax = 1.15 mA, Pmax = 5.3 × 10^-4 W, FF = 0.59, and n = 0.53%. The improved performance is attributed to enhanced visible-light absorption by anthocyanin dye molecules, reduced charge recombination, and improved electron transport. These findings demonstrate the potential of gum Arabic-modified TiO2 photoanodes and sorghum-derived natural dyes as low-cost and environmentally sustainable materials for DSSC applications.

 

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