Power conversion efficiency of hybrid solar cells based on Camellia sinensis doped polyvinyl alcohol and ZnO nanoparticles

Hybrid solar cells were fabricated by Camellia sinensis blended polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as an active medium and using zinc oxide (ZnO) incorporated as light scattering nanoparticles (NPs). The power conversion efficiency of such hybrid solar cells was enhanced. This was due to the broad absorption spectra of PVA upon doping with Camellia sinensis and ZnO NPs employed as an interfacial layer. J-V characterization indicated that hybrid solar cells were more efficient than organic solar cells having no ZnO NPs layer. The maximum power conversion efficiency of 6.7% was obtained for the hybrid solar cell with the configuration of Camellia sinensis doped PVA, ZnO NPs thin film, and silver used as an active layer, light scattering particles, and counter electrode, respectively. Minimum efficiency of 3.1% was found in the case of organic solar cells. This work signifies the use of recyclable green resources for solar energy harvesting purposes. Schematic representation of hybrid single-layer organic solar cell based on conjugated polymer developed by Camellia sinensis doped polyvinyl alcohol along with the zinc oxide as light scattering nanoparticles. [Display omitted] •A green source (Camellia sinensis) is used for solar energy harvesting.•Camellia sinensis doped PVA, with a reduced band gap, acts as an active medium for hybrid solar cells.•ZnO nanoparticles film plays its role as a light scattering plasmonic material.•Hybrid solar cells have high power conversion efficiencies of 6.7% and 4.1%.•The efficiencies of organic solar cells are 3.5% and 3.1%.