Jharkhand Researchers Develop Eco-Friendly Solar Cell
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Jharkhand Researchers Develop Eco-Friendly Solar Cell

A team from the Department of Energy Engineering at the Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ) has developed an eco-friendly solar cell that uses a plant-based natural dye extracted from the petals of Mirabilis jalapa (commonly known as Gulabbas or Four O'Clock Flower). The researchers described the work as part of ongoing laboratory studies to explore sustainable alternatives to conventional photovoltaics. The device builds on dye-sensitised solar cell concepts adapted for locally available botanical materials.

The lead researcher said the developed solar cell had achieved a highest power conversion efficiency of 0.61 per cent and demonstrated operational stability up to 250 hours. The result represents a proof of concept rather than a commercial product and highlights the potential of natural pigments for low-cost, low-impact energy harvesting. The team emphasised that performance optimisation and extended endurance testing remain priorities.

The dye was obtained from Gulabbas petals using standard extraction methods and incorporated into the photoactive layer to sensitise the cell to visible light. The research note explained basic characterisation of the pigment and device behaviour under laboratory illumination conditions, reporting reproducible but modest output levels. Attention was paid to material selection and simple fabrication techniques to keep processing environmentally benign.

Researchers at CUJ indicated ongoing work to improve efficiency and to study long-term stability under varied temperature and light regimes. The team intends to refine dye extraction, optimise interface layers and document performance over extended durations to assess practical viability. The team noted that collaboration with departmental colleagues and students supported the laboratory work. The project is presented as a contribution to sustainable materials research and to training students in renewable energy experimentation.

A team from the Department of Energy Engineering at the Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ) has developed an eco-friendly solar cell that uses a plant-based natural dye extracted from the petals of Mirabilis jalapa (commonly known as Gulabbas or Four O'Clock Flower). The researchers described the work as part of ongoing laboratory studies to explore sustainable alternatives to conventional photovoltaics. The device builds on dye-sensitised solar cell concepts adapted for locally available botanical materials. The lead researcher said the developed solar cell had achieved a highest power conversion efficiency of 0.61 per cent and demonstrated operational stability up to 250 hours. The result represents a proof of concept rather than a commercial product and highlights the potential of natural pigments for low-cost, low-impact energy harvesting. The team emphasised that performance optimisation and extended endurance testing remain priorities. The dye was obtained from Gulabbas petals using standard extraction methods and incorporated into the photoactive layer to sensitise the cell to visible light. The research note explained basic characterisation of the pigment and device behaviour under laboratory illumination conditions, reporting reproducible but modest output levels. Attention was paid to material selection and simple fabrication techniques to keep processing environmentally benign. Researchers at CUJ indicated ongoing work to improve efficiency and to study long-term stability under varied temperature and light regimes. The team intends to refine dye extraction, optimise interface layers and document performance over extended durations to assess practical viability. The team noted that collaboration with departmental colleagues and students supported the laboratory work. The project is presented as a contribution to sustainable materials research and to training students in renewable energy experimentation.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Resources

Schindler named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026

Schindler has been named among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers 2026, a global ranking recognising companies for their workplace environments.Compiled by Forbes in partnership with Statista, the ranking is based on independent employee feedback, including whether employees would recommend their organisation to friends and family.The company said the recognition reflected its focus on creating a workplace where employees can develop their expertise and build careers. ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India needs an export-execution mindset: Vishesh Jain

Interview with Vishesh Jain, Founder & CEO, EximpleWhat gaps in India’s global trade ecosystem led you to build Eximple, and what problem did you see businesses struggling with most?Eximple came out of a problem that all three founders had seen from different choke points in the trade ecosystem. India has millions of MSMEs and manufacturers, and many of them can make products that are genuinely competitive on quality. Yet only a small fraction is able to build meaningful international businesses. In our experience, the gap is usually not manufacturing capability; it is the ability to exe..

Next Story
Building Material

Nuvoco reports 13.5% revenue growth in Q2 FY27

Nuvoco Vistas Corp. Ltd. reported consolidated revenue of Rs 27.9 billion for Q2 FY27, up 13.5% year on year. Cement sales volume rose 9% to 4.7 million tonnes (MMT), while EBITDA increased 11% to Rs 4.11 billion.The company said it began its cement operations in 2014 with a 2.3 MMT per annum (MMTPA) operation at Nimbol. It now aims to reach 35 MMTPA of cement capacity by FY28, nearly 15 times its initial capacity. Its portfolio spans cement, ready-mix concrete and modern building materials.On sustainability and cost efficiency, Nuvoco partnered with CleanMax for a 46.4 MW wind-solar hybrid re..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code