Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Region 1
SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE
JUDGE JOSE DE VENECIA SR. TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOL
Bolosan District, Dagupan City
S.Y. 2025-2026

“Natural Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using Dragon Fruit Extract”

A research paper submitted to

Mr. Christopher F. Torio
Research Teacher

Researchers
Jaña Roshein E. Encarnacion
Seann G. Palma
Reggie A. Bravo
Roegen Rusuello
Jayson Noel Obra

INQUIRIES, INVESTIGATIONS, AND IMMERSION

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION............................................................1
MATERIALS AND METHODS………………………..2
RESULTS………………………….................................3
DISCUSSION .................................................................4
CONCLUSIONS………………….............................…5
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.......................................….6
REFERENCES...........................................................…7
INTRODUCTION

Fossil-fuel based energy production remains a primary source of

greenhouse gas emissions, driving global warming and associated
environmental and social problems.

While conventional photovoltaic (PV) technologies — such as

crystalline silicon solar cells — have made significant strides in
efficiency and deployment, they still face important limitations: high
manufacturing costs, energy-intensive fabrication processes, reliance on
rare or toxic materials, and diminished performance under diffuse light
conditions.

This study, conducted by Judge Jose De Venecia Senior Technical

Vocational Secondary School, investigates the feasibility of using
extracts from dragon fruit and bougainvillea as natural sensitizers in
DSSCs.
MATERIALS AND METHODS

MATERIALS:
Dragon fruit extract, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) paste, conductive glass (ITO), Joy Dishwashing
Liquid, White Vinegar, Betadine and Multi meter.

DYE EXTRACTION:
Fresh dragon fruit leaf was soaked in a hot water, mashed and filtered to obtain a natural dye
solution. The extract was then stored in a mug to prevent degradation.

PHOTOANODE PREPARATION:
Conductive glass substrates, coated with a thin layer of TiO₂ paste and heated at 450°C for 30
minutes to form a uniform semiconductor layer.

DYE SENSITIZATION:
The TiO₂-coated substrates were immersed in the dragon fruit extract for 12–24 hours to allow
adsorption of the pigments onto the semiconductor surface.

CELL ASSEMBLY:
The sensitized photoanode was assembled with a platinum-coated counter electrode and filled
with iodine-based electrolyte. The edges were sealed using betadine to prevent leakage and
ensure proper contact between components.

PERFORMANCE TESTING:
The assembled DSSC was exposed to simulated sunlight (or standard light source), and
photovoltaic parameters including open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current density, fill factor,
and overall power conversion efficiency were measured using a multimeter.
RESULTS

The results confirm that the dragon fruit dye was successfully absorbed onto the TiO₂ material,
as shown by the clear purple coloration on its surface. This color change indicates that the
natural pigments effectively adhered to the TiO₂ layer, forming a functional light-absorbing
coating. The assembled solar cell remained stable after sealing, with no visible leakage or
structural issues, demonstrating that the fabrication process was carried out properly.

When exposed to light, the cell produced a measurable response, confirming that the dye was
able to capture light energy and facilitate electron transfer within the system. This verifies the
basic working principle of a dye-sensitized solar cell. Overall, the findings suggest that dragon
fruit extract has strong potential as a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes in solar
energy applications. With further optimization to improve efficiency and stability, it could
become a practical and sustainable option for renewable energy technologies.

DISCUSSION

This study demonstrates that dragon fruit (*Hylocereus spp.*) extract can function as a natural
sensitizer in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Its strong pigment enables effective light
absorption and electron excitation, producing measurable electrical output, consistent with
previous studies using fruit-based dyes. The relatively low efficiency aligns with known
limitations of natural dyes, including weaker binding to TiO₂, lower stability, and sensitivity to
environmental conditions. Despite these constraints, the results highlight the potential of dragon
fruit extract as a low-cost, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes, suggesting that further
optimization of extraction, dye adsorption, and cell fabrication could enhance performance for
sustainable solar energy applications.
CONCLUSIONS

This survey, conducted at Judge Jose De Venecia Secondary School, explored the effectiveness
of Natural Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells using dragon fruit extract as an alternative for the usual
solar cells. The findings reveal both strong interest in plant-based renewable energy and the
significant challenges posed by electricity reliability and costs. Based on the research findings,
the following conclusions were drawn:

[Link] interest in renewable energy: All respondents (100%) expressed willingness to use
dragon fruit solar panels and to encourage students to explore plant-based renewable energy. This
indicates a highly positive attitude toward sustainable and innovative energy solutions.

[Link] awareness of fruit-based solar cells: Only half of the respondents (50%) were aware of
fruit-based solar cells, suggesting that while interest is high, knowledge about this technology is
still limited. Increased education and awareness campaigns may be necessary to promote
understanding and adoption.

[Link] interruptions are common: Most respondents (83.33%) reported frequent power
interruptions, highlighting electricity reliability as a major concern in the community.

[Link] electricity costs affect families: A majority of respondents noted that electricity costs are
consistently high, with 66.67% reporting that rising costs affect their quality of life and that
many families struggle to afford electricity.

5Support for renewable energy solutions: Respondents show strong interest in supporting
renewable energy innovation, with 83.33% indicating frequent willingness to do so, suggesting a
community ready to embrace alternative energy solutions if properly informed and accessible.

The findings suggest that developing affordable and innovative renewable energy solutions, such
as dragon fruit solar panels, could address both electricity reliability and cost issues while
promoting sustainable energy practices. Raising awareness and providing education about plant-
based solar technologies may further strengthen community adoption and engagement.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to those who supported the completion of this
research.

First, we extend our deepest appreciation to our research instructor, Mr. Christopher F. Torio, for
his expert guidance, mentorship, and encouragement throughout this study. His insights and
dedication were invaluable in directing our work on natural dye-sensitized solar cells using
dragon fruit extract and in helping us achieve meaningful results.

We also sincerely thank our fellow STEM students for their valuable contributions. Their
participation in experiments, willingness to provide feedback, and shared insights significantly
enhanced the quality of our research and were essential to understanding the potential of dragon
fruit extract as a natural sensitizer in solar cell applications. We are incredibly thankful for your
dedication and the significant impact you made on our work.

REFERENCES

[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]