Mathematical Approach to Optimizing the Panchromatic Absorption of Natural Dye Combinations for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

The goal of this work was to optimize the combination natural dyes producing panchromatic absorption matched AM1.5 solar spectrum for use in dye sensitized cells (DSSCs). Six classes (Anthocyanins, Betalins, Chlorophyll, Xanthonoids, Curcuminoids and Phycobilins) were explored. UV-Vis data radial basis function interpolation used model absorbance 2568 combinations, three objective functions determined most commensurable spectrum. TiO2 anodes with 42 combinations IV measurements made on simple cells. absorbance-optimized yielded an efficiency only 0.41%, compared 1.31% a 1:1 molar ratio α-Mangostin, which showed symbiotic effects. Our results indicate that alone is not sufficient predict optimal DSSC performance, although mathematical approach may have broader application.