Author: M. Bai, P. Bansor, Pooja, S. Sharma, and M. Genwa

DOI: http://doi.org/10.31788/RJC.2026.1929612

Owing to the low production costs, easy fabrication process, lightweight architecture and environmentallyconscious qualities, dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) are considered an especially promising substitute for traditional silicon-based solar cells. Therefore, they may find use in future sustainable and renewable energyapplications. This study explores the use of natural dye extracted from the stem of Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) andOnion peel (Allium cepa) as a sensitiser for DSSCs. The Tinospora cordifolia plant belongs to the Menispermaceaefamily, and Allium cepa belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. Both the plant materials used in this research studyare rich sources of primary and secondary metabolites. The TiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesised using the co- precipitation method and characterised using XRD and UV-VIS spectroscopy. The natural dyes were extracted usingethanol, and their photovoltaic performance was evaluated. The findings indicate that the Cocktail of the twoextracted dyes (Dye-3) achieved the highest efficiency of 1.86%, exceeding the performance of the individual Giloy(1.38%) and onion peel (1.59%) extracts. The study emphasised the promising role of plant-based dyes as asustainable and environmentally benign sensitiser for Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells, paving the way for advancementsin eco-friendly solar energy technologies.

Keywords: Dye Sensitised Solar Cell, Tinospora Cordifolia, Allium Cepa, Photovoltaic Performance. Natural Dye, Titanium Dioxide