TiO2 Nanostructure Synthesized by Sol-Gel for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells as Renewable Energy Source

Abstract

The use of renewable materials as a constituent of a smart alternative energy such as the use of natural dyes for light harvesting needs to be developed. Synthesis of anatase titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and fabrication Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) using dye-based of anthocyanin from purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) as a photosensitizer had been done. Synthesis TiO₂ through sol-gel process with the addition of triblock copolymer Pluronic F127 template was controlled at pH 3 whereas calcination was carried out at a temperature of 500 °C, 550 °C and 600 °C. The obtained TiO₂ were analyzed by XRD, SAA, and SEM. The conclusion is anatase TiO₂ obtained until annealing up to 600 °C. Self-assembly Pluronic F127 triblock copolymer capable of restraining the growth of TiO₂ crystals. Retention growth of TiO₂ mesoporous produces material character that can be used as builders photoanode DSSC with natural sensitizer anthocyanin from purple sweet potatoes. Based on the analysis of X-ray diffraction patterns and surface area analyser, the higher the calcination temperature the greater the size of the anatase crystals is obtained, however, the smaller its surface area. Purple sweet potato anthocyanin’s dyed on to TiO₂ was obtained a good enough performance for DSSC’s and gain the optimum performance from DSSC’s system built with mesoporous TiO₂ annealed 550 °C using flavylium form anthocyanin.