Green Energy from Hen Feathers Dye: A Promising Approach for Sustainable Solar Cells

The global energy crisis necessitates sustainable and efficient energy alternatives. Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) represent a promising solution due to their low cost, flexibility, and environmental friendliness. This study focuses on the fabrication and characterization of nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO₂) thin films using the sol-gel method, employing titanium (IV) isopropoxide and isopropyl alcohol as precursors. A natural dye derived from hen feathers was used as a renewable and eco-friendly sensitizer. The HFD + TiO₂ thin film was analyzed for their surface morphology, optical, structural and photoelectrical properties. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed a uniform distribution of spherical nanoparticles with average particle size 113.93 nm, while X-ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed the anatase phase of TiO₂ with a crystallite size of 40.12 nm. Optical studies indicated a reduction in the band gap after dye loading, enhancing light absorption and improving DSSC efficiency. Elemental composition and molecular structure were investigated using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The hen feather dye-sensitized TiO₂ thin films achieved a photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 2.91%, demonstrating effective light harvesting and favorable electron dynamics. This research underscores the potential of bio-derived materials, such as hen feather dye, in advancing sustainable and cost-effective photovoltaic technologies. These findings promote circular economy principles by utilizing waste-derived resources for green energy solutions.