Names
Research Title
Research Design
This study uses an experimental, comparative research design to evaluate the performance of
Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs fabricated using locally extracted anthocyanin-rich dyes
from selected plants in Pangasinan.
Independent Variable
o Type of natural dye source
a) Blue ternate (Clitoria ternatea)
b) Gumamela (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
c) Eggplant skin (Solanum melongena)
d) Purple camote tops (Ipomoea batatas)
Dependent Variables
o Performance
a) Optical properties of the dyes
b) Electrical performance of DSSCs
Controlled Variables
o type of solvent used for dye extraction: ethanol
o amount of plant material used
o dye extraction time
o dye soaking time on the solar cell
o materials used to make the DSSC
o testing method and conditions (sunlight/temperature and time of testing)
Experimental Setup
1. Collect plant samples from Pangasinan.
2. Extract natural dyes from each plant using acidified ethanol.
3. Test the dyes using UV–Vis spectroscopy to see how well they absorb light.
4. Soak solar cell plates (TiO₂-coated glass) in each dye.
5. Assemble the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).
6. Expose the DSSCs to sunlight.
7. Measure voltage and current and record the results.
8. Compare the performance of the different plant dyes.
Control Setup
1. TiO₂-coated FTO glass without any dye
2. All other materials and steps are the same as the dyed DSSCs
Number of Replicates
o Three (3) DSSC devices per dye source will be fabricated.
Total DSSCs:
4 dye sources × 3 replicates = 12 DSSCs
Measurements will be repeated to improve data reliability and reduce
experimental error.
Materials and Equipment
Materials
1. Fresh plant samples (blue ternate, gumamela, eggplant skin, purple camote tops)
2. Ethanol (95%)
3. Acid (HCl or citric acid)
4. Distilled water
5. TiO₂-coated FTO glass
6. Iodide/triiodide electrolyte
7. Carbon or platinum-coated counter electrodes
8. Filter paper
9. Binder clips
Equipment
1. UV–Vis spectrophotometer (UP Baguio)
2. Multimeter
3. Mortar and pestle / blender
4. Beakers and glassware
5. Pipettes
6. Analytical balance
7. Hot plate (if needed)
8. Protective equipment (gloves, goggles, lab coat)
Procedure
A. Dye Extraction
1. Wash and air-dry plant materials.
2. Grind the colored parts of the plants.
3. Soak samples in acidified ethanol.
4. Allow extraction for 24 hours in dark containers.
5. Filter and store extracts in amber bottles.
B. UV–Vis Characterization
1. Place dye samples in cuvettes.
2. Measure absorbance from 300–800 nm.
3. Record λmax and absorbance values.
C. Dye Loading
1. Immerse TiO₂-coated FTO glass in dye solutions.
2. Leave for 12–24 hours in the dark.
3. Rinse gently and dry.
D. DSSC Assembly
1. Assemble dye-loaded photoanode and counter electrode.
2. Inject electrolyte between electrodes.
3. Secure using binder clips.
E. Electrical Testing
1. Expose DSSCs to sunlight.
2. Measure voltage and current using a multimeter.
3. Record Voc and Isc.
4. Repeat measurements for all replicates.
Proper Disposal
Plant residues: disposed of as biodegradable waste.
Used solvents and dye solutions: collected in labeled waste containers for proper
chemical disposal.
Glassware: washed and reused.
Electrolyte waste: disposed of following laboratory hazardous waste protocols.
Risk Assessment
Risk Mitigation
Hazard
Ethanol (flammable) Fire hazard Keep away from open flames
Acids (HCl/citric acid) Skin and eye irritation Use gloves and goggles
Glassware Breakage and cuts Handle carefully
Electrical testing Minor shock Use low-voltage devices
Sun exposure Heat exposure Limit exposure time
All experiments will follow standard laboratory safety guidelines.
Ethical and Environmental Considerations
Plant samples will be collected responsibly.
No endangered species will be used.
The study promotes environmentally sustainable energy solutions.
Data Analysis Tool
UV–Vis spectrophotometer – to obtain absorbance spectra and identify the maximum
absorbance wavelength (λmax) of each dye.
Multimeter – to measure the voltage and current produced by each DSSC.
Calculator – to compute average values of voltage and current from the replicates.
Microsoft Excel / Google Sheets – to organize data, calculate averages, and create simple
tables and graphs.
Comparative analysis – to compare the performance of DSSCs with different dyes and
the no-dye control.