Structure optimization of ruthenium photosensitizers for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells – A goal toward a “bright” future

Enhancing Efficiency of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells by Coinage Metal Doping of Cyanidin-Silver Trimer Hybrids at TiO2 Support Based on Theoretical Study

Identification of a natural-based sensitizer with optimal stability and efficiency for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) application remains a challenging task. Previously, we proposed a new class of sensitizers based on bio-nano hybrids. These systems composed of natural cyanidin dyes interacting with silver nanoclusters (NCs) have demonstrated enhanced opto-electronic and photovoltaic properties. In this study, we explore the doping of silver nanocluster within a cyanidin-Ag3 hybrid employing Density Functional Theory (DFT) and its time-dependent counterpart (TDDFT). Specifically, we investigate the influence of coinage metal atoms (Au and Cu) on the properties of the cyanidin-Ag3 system. Our findings suggest that cyanidin-Ag2Au and cyanidin-AgAuCu emerge as the most promising candidates for improved light harvesting efficiency, increased two-photon absorption, and strong coupling to the TiO2 surface. These theoretical predictions suggest the viability of replacing larger silver NCs with heterometallic trimers such as Ag2Au or AgAuCu, presenting new avenues for utilizing bio-nano hybrids at the surface for DSSC application.

Literature Review on Conjugated Polymers as Light-Sensitive Materials for Photovoltaic and Light-Emitting Devices in Photonic Biomaterial Applications

Due to their extended p-orbital delocalization, conjugated polymers absorb light in the range of visible-NIR frequencies. We attempt to exploit this property to create materials that compete with inorganic semiconductors in photovoltaic and light-emitting materials. Beyond competing for applications in photonic devices, organic conjugated compounds, polymers, and small molecules have also been extended to biomedical applications like phototherapy and biodetection. Recent research on conjugated polymers has focused on bioapplications based on the absorbed light energy conversions in electric impulses, chemical energy, heat, and light emission. In this review, we describe the working principles of those photonic devices that have been applied and researched in the field of biomaterials.

Pseudo-Octahedral Iron(II) Complexes with Near-Degenerate Charge Transfer and Ligand Field States at the Franck-Condon Geometry

Increasing the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited state lifetime of polypyridine iron(II) complexes can be achieved by lowering the ligand's π* orbital energy and by increasing the ligand field splitting. In the homo- and heteroleptic complexes [Fe(cpmp)₂ ]²⁺ (1²⁺ ) and [Fe(cpmp)(ddpd)]²⁺ (2²⁺ ) with the tridentate ligands 6,2''-carboxypyridyl-2,2'-methylamine-pyridyl-pyridine (cpmp) and N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-di-pyridin-2-ylpyridine-2,6-diamine (ddpd) two or one dipyridyl ketone moieties provide low energy π* acceptor orbitals. A good metal-ligand orbital overlap to increase the ligand field splitting is achieved by optimizing the octahedricity through CO and NMe units between the coordinating pyridines which enable the formation of six-membered chelate rings. The push-pull ligand cpmp provides intra-ligand and ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (ILCT, LL'CT) excited states in addition to MLCT excited states. Ground and excited state properties of 1²⁺ and 2²⁺ were accessed by X-ray diffraction analyses, resonance Raman spectroscopy, (spectro)electrochemistry, EPR spectroscopy, X-ray emission spectroscopy, static and time-resolved IR and UV/Vis/NIR absorption spectroscopy as well as quantum chemical calculations.

A double co-sensitization strategy using heteroleptic transition metal ferrocenyl dithiocarbamate phenanthrolene-dione for enhancing the performance of N719-based DSSCs

Three new heteroleptic dithiocarbamate complexes with formula [M(Phen-dione)(Fcdtc)]PF₆ (where M = Ni(ii) Ni-Fc, Cu(ii) Cu-Fc) and [Co(Phen-dione)(Fcdtc)₂]PF₆ (Co-Fc) (Fcdtc = N-ethanol-N-methylferrocene dithiocarbamate and Phen-dione = 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione; PF₆ ^- = hexafluorophosphate) were synthesized and characterized using microanalysis, FTIR, electronic absorption spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The solution state electronic absorption spectroscopy for all three complexes displayed a band at ∼430 nm corresponding to the ferrocene unit and another low-intensity band in the visible region arising because of the d-d transitions. These newly synthesized complexes were used as co-sensitizers for the state-of-the-art di-tetrabutylammonium cis-bis(isothiocyanato)bis(2,2'-bipyridyl-4,4'-dicarboxylato)ruthenium(ii) (N719) dye in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Among the three co-sensitizers/co-adsorbent-based DSSC set-ups, the assembly fabricated using Co-Fc/N719 displayed good photovoltaic performance with 5.31% efficiency (η) while a new triple component strategy inculcating N719, Co-Fc and Cu-Fc dyes offered the best photovoltaic performance with 6.05% efficiency (η) with incident photon to current conversion efficiency (IPCE) of 63%. This indicated an upliftment of the DSSC performance by ∼38% in comparison to the set-up constructed by employing only N719 dye (η = 4.39%) under similar experimental conditions.

Heteroleptic copper(I) charge-transfer chromophores with panchromatic absorption

Four new heteroleptic bis-chelate Cu(I) complexes showing panchromatic visible absorption are described here. With this heteroleptic design, we demonstrate that the energy levels of the spatially separated HOMO and LUMO can be independently and systematically controlled via ligand modification, with charge-transfer absorption bands throughout the visible and NIR regions that cover a wider range than typical Cu(I) chromophores.

Facile synthesis of N-aryl phenothiazines and phenoxazines via Brønsted acid catalyzed C-H amination of arenes

N-Aryl phenothiazines and phenoxazines are of significant importance in various disciplines throughout academia and industry. The conventional synthetic strategy for the construction of these structures centers on the transition-metal-catalyzed cross-coupling of aryl halides with phenothiazines or phenoxazines. Here we present an organocatalytic approach to access N-naphthyl phenothiazine and phenoxazine scaffolds through a straightforward C-H amination of arenes as enabled by an azo group. This reaction features operational simplicity, adequate substrate generality and excellent functional group compatibility. Notably, the efficiency of the catalyst could be perfectly preserved after 5 catalytic cycles.

I-V Curves of an Apigenin Dye and Their Analysis by a New Parabolic Function

A new parabolic function for I-V curves' analysis has been proposed. The new "analytical tool" provides a simple way to describe photophysical processes at an approximately monolayer surface of a dye-sensitized solar cell. It may now be possible to estimate factors such as hole-electron recombination, surface defects, and electron diffusion at the semiconductor layer. The theoretical approach that was previously reported by our group for predicting the photovoltaic performance of potential dye sensitizers has also been validated. The experimental photovoltaic and DFT/TD-DFT data of apigenin and those of the highly rated black dyes were used for the validation.

Green-Light Activation of Push-Pull Ruthenium(II) Complexes

Synthesis, characterization, electrochemistry, and photophysics of homo- and heteroleptic ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(cpmp)2 ]2+ (22+ ) and [Ru(cpmp)(ddpd)]2+ (32+ ) bearing the tridentate ligands 6,2''-carboxypyridyl-2,2'-methylamine-pyridyl-pyridine (cpmp) and N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-dipyridin-2-ylpyridine-2,6-diamine (ddpd) are reported. The complexes possess one (32+ ) or two (22+ ) electron-deficient dipyridyl ketone fragments as electron-accepting sites enabling intraligand charge transfer (ILCT), ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (LL'CT) and low-energy metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) absorptions. The latter peak around 544 nm (green light). Complex 22+ shows 3 MLCT phosphorescence in the red to near-infrared spectral region at room temperature in deaerated acetonitrile solution with an emission quantum yield of 1.3 % and a 3 MLCT lifetime of 477 ns, whereas 32+ is much less luminescent. This different behavior is ascribed to the energy gap law and the shape of the parasitic excited 3 MC state potential energy surface. This study highlights the importance of the excited-state energies and geometries for the actual excited-state dynamics. Aromatic and aliphatic amines reductively quench the excited state of 22+ paving the way to photocatalytic applications using low-energy green light as exemplified with the green-light-sensitized thiol-ene click reaction.

Investigations of New Phenothiazine-Based Compounds for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells with Theoretical Insight

New D-π-D-π-A low-molecular-weight compounds, based on a phenothiazine scaffold linked via an acetylene unit with various donor moiety and cyanoacrylic acid anchoring groups, respectively, were successfully synthesized. The prepared phenothiazine dyes were entirely characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The compounds were designed to study the relationship between end-capping donor groups’ structure on their optoelectronic and thermal properties as well as the dye-sensitized solar cells’ performance. The effect of π-conjugation enlargement by incorporation of different heterocyclic substituents possessing various electron–donor affinities was systematically experimentally and theoretically examined. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations were implemented to determine the electronic properties of the novel molecules.

New Oxindole-Bridged Acceptors for Organic Sensitizers: Substitution and Performance Studies in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

New D-π-A configured organic sensitizers featuring halogen-substituted oxindole-bridged acceptor units have been synthesized for dye-sensitized solar cells applications. Among fluorine, bromine, and iodine substitution, the cell based on bromine incorporated dye exhibited the highest efficiency. The oxindoles in these sensitizers were found to assist the electron injection through the chelation of their amide carbonyl groups to the TiO2 surface. This study provides an alternate approach for future rational dye design to gain excellent DSSC performance.

Improved Photostability of a CuI Complex by Macrocyclization of the Phenanthroline Ligands

The development of molecular materials for conversion of solar energy into electricity and fuels is one of the most active research areas, in which the light absorber plays a key role. While copper(I)‐bis(diimine) complexes [Cu^I(L)₂]⁺ are considered as potent substitutes for [Ru^II(bpy)₃]²⁺, they exhibit limited structural integrity as ligand loss by substitution can occur. In this article, we present a new concept to stabilize copper bis(phenanthroline) complexes by macrocyclization of the ligands which are preorganized around the Cu^I ion. Using oxidative Hay acetylene homocoupling conditions, several Cu^I complexes with varying bridge length were prepared and analyzed. Absorption and emission properties are assessed; rewardingly, the envisioned approach was successful since the flexible 1,4‐butadiyl‐bridged complex does show enhanced MLCT absorption and emission, as well as improved photostability upon irradiation with a blue LED compared to a reference complex.

Near-Infrared Electrochemiluminescence from Bistridentate Ruthenium(II) Di(quinoline-8-yl)pyridine Complexes in Aqueous Media

We report the synthesis, photophysics, electrochemistry and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of two dqp (dqp=2,6-di(quinoline-8-yl)pyridine) based ruthenium(II) complexes, bearing either a n-butyl ester (1) or the corresponding carboxylic acid functionality (2). The complexes were prepared from [Ru(dqp)(MeCN)₃ ][PF₆ ]₂ by reaction with the dqp precursor using microwave irradiation. In both cases, photoluminescence spectra present strong ³ MLCT-based red/near-infrared (NIR) emissions centred at about 710 nm. The photoluminescence quantum yields were 6.1 % and 1.8 % for 1 and 2 respectively while the excited state lifetimes were 3.60 μs and 2.37 μs. Both complexes are ECL active, although ECL efficiency (Φ_ECL ) of 1 was substantially higher than 2, due to its more favourable electrochemical properties. Importantly, 1 also gave strong ECL in aqueous media, which is rare for near-infrared emitters. The results suggest the possibility of very interesting ECL sensing applications for this class of emitter in biological media.

Imine–carbene-based ruthenium complexes for dye-sensitized solar cells: the effect of isomeric mixture on the photovoltaic performance

New isomeric sensitizers containing an imine–carbene (IC)-based ancillary ligand, isomers IC101 and IC102, were designed for application in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).

Electrochemical Polymerization-Fabricated Several Triphenylamine-Carbazolyl-Based Polymers with Improved Short-Circuit Current and High Adsorption Stability in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Polymer dyes have many potential advantages, such as high molecular weight, better light capture ability, thermal stability, film-forming ability, light resistance, and electrochemical corrosion resistance. They are expected to provide opportunities for the development of high-stability dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). However, polymer DSCs (PDSCs) have poor short-circuit current and filling factor (FF) due to polymer aggregation and chain-winding effect. Therefore, the energy conversion efficiency is low. In this work, we are trying to find a way to solve this problem. Herein, three polymers, polyPAC-01, polyPAC-02, and polyPAC-03 with different π-bridge chains were prepared on a titanium dioxide electrode using an "adsorption first, then electropolymerization (EP)" process. Meanwhile, as a comparison, three oligomers, PAC-01, PAC-02, and PAC-03 with the same skeleton were synthesized by the Suzuki coupling reaction and fabricated on a titanium dioxide electrode with a "first polymerization, then adsorption" process. Then, the photoanode adsorbed by those polymers or oligomers were applied to DSCs. The results show that polymers prepared by the EP method obtained a higher short-circuit (J _sc) increase, exceeding 30% and a FF increase of about 10%, and finally, the photo-to-electric conversion efficiency (PCE) increased exceeding 40%, compared to the oligomers. In addition, desorption experiments in a harsh environment show that the EP method-synthesized polymers (polyPAC-03 as a representative) have better solvent resistance and adsorption stability than the corresponding oligomers (PAC-03). The results show that the process of "adsorption first, then EP" may be an effective way to solve the bottlenecks of low energy conversion efficiency on PDSCs and provide a new way to develop stable and efficient DSCs.

Solute-solvent electronic interaction is responsible for initial charge separation in ruthenium complexes [Ru(bpy)3]2+ and [Ru(phen)3]2+

Origin of the initial charge separation in optically-excited Ruthenium(II) tris(bidentate) complexes of intrinsic D3 symmetry has remained a disputed issue for decades. Here we measure the femtosecond two-photon absorption (2PA) cross section spectra of [Ru(2,2′-bipyridine)3]2 and [Ru(1,10-phenanthroline)3]2 in a series of solvents with varying polarity and show that for vertical transitions to the lower-energy 1MLCT excited state, the permanent electric dipole moment change is nearly solvent-independent, Δμ = 5.1–6.3 D and 5.3–5.9 D, respectively. Comparison of experimental results with quantum-chemical calculations of complexes in the gas phase, in a polarizable dielectric continuum and in solute-solvent clusters containing up to 18 explicit solvent molecules indicate that the non-vanishing permanent dipole moment change in the nominally double-degenerate E-symmetry state is caused by the solute-solvent interaction twisting the two constituent dipoles out of their original opposite orientation, with average angles matching the experimental two-photon polarization ratio.

Effect of new asymmetrical Zn(ii) phthalocyanines on the photovoltaic performance of a dye-sensitized solar cell

Theoretical and experimental examinations of novel asymmetric Zn(ii) phthalocyanine derivatives substituted with peripherally one carboxyl and six alkylsulfanyl groups have been successfully investigated from the point of view of DSSC performance.

Heteromultimetallic compounds based on polyfunctional carboxylate linkers

Polyfunctional linkers bearing carboxylate, bipyridine and alkyne functionalities allow the stepwise construction of multimetallic assemblies incorporating redox and photophysical properties.

"Chemistry-on-the-complex": functional RuII polypyridyl-type sensitizers as divergent building blocks

Ruthenium polypyridyl type complexes are potent photoactive compounds, and have found - among others - a broad range of important applications in the fields of biomedical diagnosis and phototherapy, energy conversion schemes such as dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and molecular assemblies for tailored photo-initiated processes. In this regard, the linkage of RuII polypyridyl-type complexes with specific functional moieties is highly desirable to enhance their inherent photophysical properties, e.g., with a targeting function to achieve cell selectivity, or with a dye or redox-active subunits for energy- and electron-transfer. However, the classical approach of performing ligand syntheses first and the formation of Ru complexes in the last steps imposes synthetic limitations with regard to tolerating functional groups or moieties as well as requiring lengthy convergent routes. Alternatively, the diversification of Ru complexes after coordination (termed "chemistry-on-the-complex") provides an elegant complementary approach. In addition to the Click chemistry concept, the rapidly developing synthesis and purification methodologies permit the preparation of Ru conjugates via amidation, alkylation and cross-coupling reactions. In this regard, recent developments in chromatography shifted the limits of purification, e.g., by using new commercialized surface-modified silica gels and automated instrumentation. This review provides detailed insights into applying the "chemistry-on-the-complex" concept, which is believed to stimulate the modular preparation of unpreceded molecular assemblies as well as functional materials based on Ru-based building blocks, including combinatorial approaches.

The dye-sensitized solar cell database

BACKGROUND

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have garnered a lot of attention in recent years. The solar energy to power conversion efficiency of a DSSC is influenced by various components of the cell such as the dye, electrolyte, electrodes and additives among others leading to varying experimental configurations. A large number of metal-based and metal-free dye sensitizers have now been reported and tools using such data to indicate new directions for design and development are on the rise.

DESCRIPTION

DSSCDB, the first of its kind dye-sensitized solar cell database, aims to provide users with up-to-date information from publications on the molecular structures of the dyes, experimental details and reported measurements (efficiencies and spectral properties) and thereby facilitate a comprehensive and critical evaluation of the data. Currently, the DSSCDB contains over 4000 experimental observations spanning multiple dye classes such as triphenylamines, carbazoles, coumarins, phenothiazines, ruthenium and porphyrins.

CONCLUSION

The DSSCDB offers a web-based, comprehensive source of property data for dye sensitized solar cells. Access to the database is available through the following URL: www.dyedb.com .

Synthesis and characterization of carbene-pyridyl anchoring Ru(ii) dyes with various binding functionalities for photoelectrochemical cells

A study utilizing pyridyl carbene as the anchoring ligand was demonstrated for the first time and it was found to be more suitable for use as an ancillary group.

Syntheses, crystal structures and DNA-binding activities of divalent Fe, Cu, Zn and Cd complexes with 4′-(furan-2-yl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine

Five coordination complexes [Fe(ftpy)2](ClO4)2·(H2O)2 (1), [Cu(ftpy)(NO3)(H2O)](NO3) (2), [Cu(ftpy)2]2(ClO4)4·(C2H5OH) (3), [Zn(ftpy)2]·(ClO4)2·(H2O)1.5 (4) and [Cd(ftpy)2]2(ClO4)4·(C2H5OH) (5) (ftpy=4′-(furan-2-yl)-2,2′:6′,2′-terpyridine) have been synthesized and characterized by IR, elemental analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. With the exception of 4, all complexes adopt normal homoleptic [M(ftpy)2]2+ motifs. In the crystal, both hydrogen bonds and face-to-face interactions between furyl and pyridyl rings facilitate the construction of three-dimensional networks. The DNA-binding activities of the five complexes have been investigated by fluorescence emission titration at room temperature suggesting an intercalative mode for 1–3 with a relative order, 3>2>1, and a combined static and dynamic mode for 4 and 5.

High-Performance Ruthenium Sensitizers Containing Imidazolium Counterions for Efficient Dye Sensitization in Water

A new type of water-soluble ruthenium sensitizers incorporating imidazolium counterions, denoted [DMPI]₂ -Ru and [DMHI]₂ -Ru, has been developed, which can be efficiently adsorbed onto TiO₂ photoanodes in aqueous solution. Owing to the good thermal stability of imidazolium, [DMPI]₂ -Ru adsorbed on TiO₂ has a higher decomposition temperature than N719 dye [di(tetrabutylammonium) cis-di(thiocyanato)bis(2,2'-bipyridine-4,4'-dicarboxylato)ruthenium(II)]. When using organic solvent-based I^- /I₃^- electrolytes, solars cell based on [DMPI]₂ -Ru-sensitized TiO₂ in water show high power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of up to 10.2 %, which is higher than that of N719 (9.9 %) under the common conditions for dye sensitization in organic solvent. [DMHI]₂ -Ru, with poorer water solubility than [DMPI]₂ -Ru, gives a smaller dye-adsorption amount on TiO₂ and thus a lower PCE of 9.4 %. From the viewpoint of safety and environmental impact, the fabrication of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) by using water as solvent is undoubtedly a preferable strategy. Although the [DMPI]₂ -Ru-based device fabricated by using water as the solvent for both the dye-sensitization process and the electrolyte gives a relatively low efficiency, it provides a promising approach for the practical application of DSSCs.

Designing Squaraines to Control Charge Injection and Recombination Processes in NiO-based Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Herein, the synthesis of a new family of squaraines (SQs) and their application in p-type dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) is presented. In particular, two sets of SQs were designed featuring either two or four anchoring carboxylic groups combined with either oxygen or dicyanovinyl central groups. The SQs were characterized by using a joint theoretical, photophysical, and electrochemical approach. Importantly, the presence of different central groups forces a frozen cis (dicyanovinyl group) or a trans (oxygen group) SQ conformation. Based on the latter, the current work enables a direct comparison between cis and trans isomers as well as the impact of a different number of anchors. Considering their electron-accepting and light-harvesting character, they were tested in NiO-based DSSCs. Photocurrent-voltage, incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were performed. By virtue of their different symmetry, stereochemistry, and number of carboxylic groups, altered adsorption behavior onto NiO electrodes as well as diverse charge injection and charge recombination dynamics were noted under operation conditions. SQs with four linkers in a frozen cis isomerism show the best charge collection properties among the investigated SQs, providing a valuable guideline for the molecular design of future SQs for p-type DSSCs. In addition, we assembled tandem DSSCs featuring SQ/NiO photocathodes and N719/TiO₂ photoanodes. The IPCE of the resulting tandem DSSCs implies light harvesting throughout most of the visible part of the solar spectrum owing to the complementary absorption features of SQ and N719.

Boosting Vis/NIR Charge-Transfer Absorptions of Iron(II) Complexes by N-Alkylation and N-Deprotonation in the Ligand Backbone

Reversing the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (³ MLCT)/metal-centered (³ MC) excited state order in iron(II) complexes is a challenging objective, yet would finally result in long-sought luminescent transition-metal complexes with an earth-abundant central ion. One approach to achieve this goal is based on low-energy charge-transfer absorptions in combination with a strong ligand field. Coordinating electron-rich and electron-poor tridentate oligopyridine ligands with large bite angles at iron(II) enables both low-energy MLCT absorption bands around 590 nm and a strong ligand field. Variations of the electron-rich ligand by introducing longer alkyl substituents destabilizes the iron(II) complex towards ligand substitution reactions while hardly affecting the optical properties. On the other hand, N-deprotonation of the ligand backbone is feasible and reversible, yielding deep-green complexes with charge-transfer bands extending into the near-IR region. Time-dependent density functional theory calculations assign these absorption bands to transitions with dipole-allowed ligand-to-ligand charge transfer character. This unique geometric and electronic situation establishes a further regulating screw to increase the energy gap between potentially emitting charge-transfer states and the non-radiative ligand field states of iron(II) dyes.

Bis-tridentate Ru(ii) sensitizers with a spatially encumbered 2,6-dipyrazolylpyridine ancillary ligand for dye-sensitized solar cells

The sensitizer TF-tBu_C₃F₇ has shown the highest overall efficiencies of J_SC = 18.47 mA cm⁻², V_OC = 767 mV, FF = 0.71 and PCE = 10.05% under simulated one sun irradiation, due to the fine balance between dye loading and reduced charge recombination.

Theoretical study on photooxidation mechanism of ruthenium complex [Ru(II)-(bpy)2 (TMBiimH2 )](2+) with molecular oxygen

Photoinduced reactions of ruthenium complexes with molecular oxygen have attracted a lot of experimental attention; however, the reaction mechanism remains elusive. In this work, we have used the density functional theory method to scrutinize the visible-light induced photooxidation mechanism of the ruthenium complex [Ru(II)-(bpy)2 (TMBiimH2 )](2+) (bpy: 2, 2-bipyridine and TMBiimH2 : 4, 5, 4, 5-tetramethyl-2, 2-biimidazole) initiated by the attack of molecular oxygen. The present computational results not only explain very well recent experiments, also provide new mechanistic insights. We found that: (1) the triplet energy transfer process between the triplet molecular oxygen and the metal-ligand charge transfer triplet state of the ruthenium complex, which leads to singlet molecular oxygen, is thermodynamically favorable; (2) the singlet oxygen addition process to the S0 ruthenium complex is facile in energy; (3) the chemical transformation from endoperoxide to epidioxetane intermediates can be either two- or one-step reaction (the latter is energetically favored). These findings contribute important mechanistic information to photooxidation reactions of ruthenium complexes with molecular oxygen. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Influence of Ancillary Ligands in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have motivated many researchers to develop various sensitizers with tailored properties involving anchoring and ancillary ligands. Ancillary ligands carry favorable light-harvesting abilities and are therefore crucial in determining the overall power conversion efficiencies. The use of ancillary ligands having aliphatic chains and/or π-extended aromatic units decreases charge recombination and permits the collection of a large fraction of sunlight. This review aims to provide insight into the relationship between ancillary ligand structure and DSSC properties, which can further guide the function-oriented design and synthesis of different sensitizers for DSSCs. This review outlines how the new and rapidly expanding class of chelating ancillary ligands bearing 2,2'-bipyridyl, 1,10-phenanthroline, carbene, dipyridylamine, pyridyl-benzimidazole, pyridyl-azolate, and other aromatic ligands provides a conduit for potentially enhancing the performance and stability of DSSCs. Finally, these classes of Ru polypyridyl complexes have gained increasing interest for feasible large-scale commercialization of DSSCs due to their more favorable light-harvesting abilities and long-term thermal and chemical stabilities compared with other conventional sensitizers. Therefore, the main idea is to inspire readers to explore new avenues in the design of new sensitizers for DSSCs based on different ancillary ligands.