A theoretical study on the role of the π-spacer in the thoughtful design of good light-absorbing dyes with phenothiazine for efficient dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)

CONTEXT

In this work, we designed ten new organic phenothiazine dyes bridged by different πi-spacers (PTZ1-PTZ10) of D-π-A type based on the synthesized dye CC202-III for their efficacy in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) applications. To learn how various π-spacers affect their performance in DSSCs, these isolated dyes and dye-cluster systems have had their geometries, electronic structures, absorption spectra, dipole moments, and molecular electrostatic potential examined and talked about. Additionally, a number of quantization parameters that affect power conversion efficiency (PCE), including light collection efficiency (LHE), reorganization energy (λtotal), vertical dipole moment (μnormal), strength electron injection driving force (ΔGinject), regeneration driving force (ΔGreg), excited state lifetime (τ), and open circuit voltage (VOC), were calculated in order to identify the organic dyes that would be best suited for DSSC applications. Calculated results revealed that the designed dyes PTZ3, PTZ4, PTZ5, and PTZ10 exhibit a lower energy gap among all dyes compared to the corresponding CC202-III. Additionally, PTZ3, PTZ4, PTZ5, PTZ7, PTZ8, PTZ9, and PTZ10 exhibit significant red-shifted absorption spectra compared to the other dyes with a larger oscillator strength, which improves the photocurrent density of the devices. The findings thus imply that bridge modification is a workable tactic to raise DSSC effectiveness.

METHOD

We used density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) methods to study the electronic and photovoltaic properties of the dyes designed (PTZ1-PTZ10) to assess their effectiveness in DSSCs. DFT and TD-DFT simulations are theoretically used to deeply analyze key characteristics of all organic dyes that affect open-circuit voltage (VOC) and short-circuit current (JSC) to identify structure-property relationships.

Small Molecules Containing Amphoteric Imidazole Motifs as Sensitizers for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: An Overview

Organic dyes, porphyrins and inorganic complexes containing imidazole (IM) motifs have been demonstrated as a new class of sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Particularly, the amphoteric nature of IM-based motifs allows them to be used as donors (D), auxiliary donors (D_A), linker/branch (π), or acceptors (A) in D-π-A-based organic dyes and porphyrins and also employed as cyclometalated heteroleptic and ancillary ligands in the Ru(II) and Ir(III) complexes for DSSCs. It is noteworthy that the introduction of IM chromophores in the dyes of D-π-A configuration can improve the light-harvesting properties and prohibit the charge recombination reactions due to the extension of the π-conjugated structures and hydrophobic nature. Similarly, in the case of inorganic complexes, the presence of IM motifs as ligands can improve the light-harvesting ability, give facilely tuned HOMO and LUMO energy levels, increase the charge recombination resistance and photostability. This results in enhanced photocurrent (J_SC) and photovoltage (V_OC) and consequently solar-to-power conversion efficiency (η) of DSSC devices based on Ru(II) and Ir(III) complexes. Considering the interesting DSSC applications of IM-derived molecules, in this review, we therefore comprehensively discuss their photophysical, electrochemical and photovoltaic properties reported so far and establish their structure-activity relationship to further advance the η of DSSCs. To the best of our knowledge, there is no such a review interpreting the importance of molecules possessing IM-motifs for DSSC applications to date.

The role of the donor group and electron-accepting substitutions inserted in π-linkers in tuning the optoelectronic properties of D-π-A dye-sensitized solar cells: a DFT/TDDFT study

The design of low-cost and high-efficiency sensitizers is one of the most important factors in the expansion of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). To obtain effective sensitizer dyes for applications in dye-sensitized solar cells, a series of metal-free organic dyes with the D–π–A–A arrangement and with different donor and acceptor groups have been designed by using computational methodologies based on density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT). We have designed JK-POZ(1–3) and JK-PTZ(1–3) D–π–A–A organic dyes by modifying the donor and π-linker units of the JK-201 reference dye. Computational calculations of the structural, photochemical properties and electrochemical properties, as well as the key parameters related to the short-circuit current density and open-circuit voltage, including light-harvesting efficiency (LHE), singlet excited state lifetime (τ), reorganization energies (λ_total), electronic injection-free energy (ΔG^inject) and regeneration driving forces (ΔG^reg) of dyes were calculated and analyzed. Moreover, charge transfer parameters, such as the amount of charge transfer (q^CT), the charge transfer distance (D^CT), and dipole moment changes (μ^CT), were investigated. The results show that ΔG^reg, λ_max, λ_total and τ of JK-POZ-3 and JK-PTZ-3 dyes are superior to those of JK-201, indicating that novel JK-POZ-3 and JK-PTZ-3 dyes could be promising candidates for improving the efficiency of the DSSCs devices.

A series of metal-free organic dyes with the D–π–A–A arrangement and with different donor and acceptor groups have been designed theoretically.

Tailoring benzo[α]phenoxazine moiety for efficient photosensitizers in dye sensitized solar cells via the DFT/TD-DFT method

Three benzo[α]phenoxazine-based dyes were designed by tailoring donor (D) and anchoring (A) moiety to benzo[α]phenoxazinetemplate via DFT and TD-DFT method for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications.

Assessment of time-dependent density functionals for the electronic excitation energies of organic dyes used in DSSCs

The absorption spectra modeled as the vertical excitation energies of 13 dye sensitizers used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are benchmarked by means of time-dependent (TD)-DFT, using 36 functionals from different DFT rungs.

Y-shape structured azo dyes with self-transforming feature to zwitterionic form as sensitizer for DSSC and DFT investigation of their photophysical and charge transfer properties

Two novel azo dyes with D-π-A-π-D structures were designed and synthesized to investigate the relationship between molecular structure and sensitizing performance on applying for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) in comparison with their linear counterparts. Introducing hydroxyl auxiliary groups and arranging π-conjugation length as two parallel and series structural architectures, Y-shape and linear, led to red shift in absorption wavelength and increase in absorption intensity for the Y-shape pattern providing an efficient charge transfer pathway and improved J_sc and η of the DSSCs. Emerging a zwitterionic form, azonium structure, of the sensitizer in parallel configuration for the dyes 1a.p and 1b.p, enhanced light absorption domain and changed anchoring fashion could engendering improved electronic overlapping. The easily-synthesized dyes were evaluated for photophysical and electrochemical properties and turned out that the parallel-decorated dyes displayed better results than the series types as photosensitizers for DSSCs. ATR and Raman spectra clearly showed the adsorption of these dyes on the TiO₂ surface. Operational tests of DSSCs, coated by titled azo dyes, illustrated that decorating π-conjugation pattern as parallel structure as well as accessorizing the donor unit with hydroxyl groups improved the photovoltaic performance. Optimized band gap due to participating the azonium structure and restricted electron recombination as well as rectified dye regeneration were proposed as main elements in enhancing performance parameters. A higher solar conversion efficiency was recorded for DSSCs based on the Y-shape dyes compared to other meta azo dye-based cells that were previously reported. Computational calculations were used to corroborate the opto-electrochemical traits of the dyes with a special concern on the influence of structural pattern on photovoltaic features.

Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of Thienopyrazine-Based Fluorophores for Application in Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSCs)

Organic fluorophores have found broad application as emitters in luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) for silicon photovoltaics. In particular, the preparation of organic conjugated systems with intense light-harvesting ability, emissions in the deep-red and NIR regions, and large Stokes shift values represent a very challenging undertaking. Here, we report a simple and easy way to prepare three symmetrical donor–acceptor–donor (DAD) organic-emitting materials based on a thienopyrazine core. The central core in the three dyes was modified with the introduction of aromatic substituents, aiming to affect their optical properties. The fluorophores were characterized by spectroscopic studies. In all cases, visible-NIR emissions with large Stokes shifts were found, highlighting these molecules as promising materials for the application in LSCs.

Tailoring of a Phenothiazine Core for Electrical Conductivity and Thermal Stability: Hole-Selective Layers in Perovskite Solar Cells

Hole-selective layers are an indispensable component for the fabrication of effective perovskite solar cells. We designed and developed two phenothiazine-based hole transport materials: PTADAnCBZ with an electron-donating sulfur atom and PTODAnCBZ with an electron-withdrawing sulfone group in the core. PTODAnCBZ in contrast to PTADAnCBZ possesses a unique molecular orbital distribution and lower dihedral angles, which endowed it with excellent optoelectrical properties, improved charge transportation, and thermal stability. The solar cells fabricated with PTODAnCBZ yielded a higher photovoltaic (PV) performance as compared to PTADAnCBZ and were on par in terms of performance with those fabricated with Spiro-OMeTAD. Notably, the phenothiazine-based PV devices showed improved stability under multi-stress conditions including moisture, moisture and light, and moisture and heat. Phenothiazine-based molecules showed unparalleled thermal stability as compared to the doped Spiro-OMeTAD. Our findings pinpoint the advantages of cost-effective phenothiazine with dioxide as hole-selective layers and suggest its application in a variety of optoelectrical devices such as PVs and organic LED.

Non-metallic organic dyes as photosensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells: a review

The advent of novel technologies has led to the need for environmental and economic integration. Energy consumption plays a vital role in human existence, and thereby sustainable development is the need of the hour. When the methods of energy production are discussed, renewable resources are opted to meet the needs of the future with the key resources being solar and wind energy. Solar energy is widely adapted and harnessed due to its abundance and various benefits. Silicon-based solar cells, though produced higher efficiencies, have many cons due to their toxicity and cost. Dye-sensitized solar cells have been grounded as a better alternative due to their ability to function under low light, wider angles, and low internal temperature. In this review paper, various organic metal-free dyes, and their efficiencies along with their cell parameters are discussed. These metal-free dyes are adopted over conventional ruthenium dyes due to their non-toxicity, availability, and cost.

Light-driven bimorph soft actuators: design, fabrication, and properties

Soft robots that can move like living organisms and adapt to their surroundings are currently in the limelight from fundamental studies to technological applications, due to their advances in material flexibility, human-friendly interaction, and biological adaptation that surpass conventional rigid machines. Light-fueled smart actuators based on responsive soft materials are considered to be one of the most promising candidates to promote the field of untethered soft robotics, thereby attracting considerable attention amongst materials scientists and microroboticists to investigate photomechanics, photoswitch, bioinspired design, and actuation realization. In this review, we discuss the recent state-of-the-art advances in light-driven bimorph soft actuators, with the focus on bilayer strategy, i.e., integration between photoactive and passive layers within a single material system. Bilayer structures can endow soft actuators with unprecedented features such as ultrasensitivity, programmability, superior compatibility, robustness, and sophistication in controllability. We begin with an explanation about the working principle of bimorph soft actuators and introduction of a synthesis pathway toward light-responsive materials for soft robotics. Then, photothermal and photochemical bimorph soft actuators are sequentially introduced, with an emphasis on the design strategy, actuation performance, underlying mechanism, and emerging applications. Finally, this review is concluded with a perspective on the existing challenges and future opportunities in this nascent research Frontier.

Theoretical analysis of the absorption spectrum, electronic structure, excitation, and intramolecular electron transfer of D-A'-π-A porphyrin dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells

A series of porphyrin dyes with D-A'-π-A structure were designed and theoretically investigated by DFT and TD-DFT methods. Different electron-withdrawing auxiliary acceptor units were introduced into the dye molecule skeleton to shed light on how the type and position of auxiliary acceptors influence the photoelectric performance of the dyes. It was found that the introduction of electron-withdrawing units, BTD, TPZ, BTZ, PP and DPPZ, between the Zn-porphyrin core and the anchoring group had a significantly positive influence on the performance of the dye molecules. Also, more appropriate electron distribution in the molecular orbital and the lower HOMO-LUMO energy gap, more extensive absorption coverage, higher light-harvesting efficiency, lower orbital overlap, and more effective long-range intramolecular electron transfer (IET) process can be achieved as compared to the reference dye. Among these five electron-withdrawing units, BTD and TPZ had the effect leading to the greatest improvement and therefore, are the best candidates for auxiliary acceptors. The calculated results indicated that the longitudinal π-conjugation of the electron-withdrawing unit also had an obvious effect on the performance of the dye molecule, and NTD is expected to be a more effective auxiliary acceptor than BTD. The effects of the relative positions of the auxiliary acceptors in the dye molecular skeleton were also investigated. A comparative study of AX1-3 and AA1-3 showed that the introduction of BTD, TPZ and BTZ units between the donor part and the Zn-porphyrin core may have a negative impact on the performance of the dyes. Our studies are expected to provide new insight for the design and screening of high-efficiency porphyrin dyes for DSSCs applications.

Theoretical study of T shaped phenothiazine/carbazole based organic dyes with naphthalimide as π-spacer for DSSCs

Eight novel T shaped phenothiazine/carbazole based organic dyes with naphthalimide as π-spacer were designed, and the geometries, electronic structures, and optical features of these isolated dyes and dye-(TiO₂)₉ systems were investigated with density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations. Some quantify factors influencing the energy conversion efficiency (PCE) such as the light harvesting efficiency (LHE), electron injection driving force (ΔG_inject) and dye regeneration driving force (ΔG_reg) were also calculated for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) applications. It is found that these dyes show a good performance of electron injection and dye regeneration owing to the proper value of ΔG_inject and ΔG_reg. The optimized geometries of the non-planar molecular configuration of donor and the planar structure of the naphthalimide conjugated bridge are beneficial to efficient intramolecular charge transfer and the suppression of molecular aggregation. The properties about the electronic structure and absorption spectra indicate that replacement of benzene with thiophene unit near to cyanoacetic acid acceptor can generate more efficient conjugation effect and achieve red shift of absorption spectra, resulting a higher J_sc and V_oc in DSSCs device. The theoretical results reveal that DTPH2, DTPH4, DTCA2 and DTCA4 would be used as potential sensitizers for DSSCs applications.

Structure–reactivity relationship of probes based on the H2S-mediated reductive cleavage of the CC bond

The structure–reactivity relationship of H₂S-mediated reductive cleavage of CC bond was studied and utilized to develop probes for detecting H₂S.

Hexyl dithiafulvalene (HDT)-substituted carbazole (CBZ) D–π–A based sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells

Two carbazole based dyes with donor hexyl dithiafulvalene at C6 position using D–π–A concept having either cyanoacrylic acid (HDT-C1) or rhodanine-3-acetic acid (HDT-C2) as acceptor group for the applied to DSSCs with an efficiency of 7.38%.

DFT/TD-DFT study of novel T shaped phenothiazine-based organic dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells applications

Five novel T shaped phenothiazine-based organic dyes DTTP1~5 with different spacers at N (10) position were designed. The geometries, electronic structures, absorption spectra, electron transfer and injection properties of these isolated dyes and dye/(TiO₂)₉ systems were investigated via density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculation. The optimized geometries indicate that these T shaped dyes show non-planar conformations, which are helpful in suppressing the close intermolecular π-π aggregation in device and enhancing thermal stability. The calculated results indicate that type of π-conjugated spacers can affect the molecular absorption spectra. Introduction of thiophene-benzothiadizole-thiophene unit as π-conjugated spacer can most effectively shift the light absorption to near infrared region and enhance the light harvesting efficiency (LHE). Moreover, it is found that these dyes show a good performance of electron injection and dye regeneration owing to the proper electron injection driving force (ΔG_inject) and dye regeneration driving force (ΔG_reg). The theoretical results reveal that these dyes could be used as potential sensitizers for DSSCs, and DTTP4 would be the most plausible sensitizer for high-efficiency DSSCs due to the narrow HOMO-LUMO energy gap (Δ_H-L), broad absorption spectrum, high LHE value, and large dipole moment (μ_normal).

Multiply Wrapped Porphyrin Dyes with a Phenothiazine Donor: A High Efficiency of 11.7% Achieved through a Synergetic Coadsorption and Cosensitization Approach

Photocurrent ( J_sc) and photovoltage ( V_oc) are two important parameters for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) to achieve high power conversion efficiencies (PCEs). Herein, we synthesize four novel porphyrin dyes, XW36-XW39, using an N-phenyl-substituted phenothiazine donor to pursue higher PCE. For XW36 and XW37, the N-phenyl group is wrapped with two ortho-alkoxy chains. In contrast, it is substituted with a para-alkoxy group in XW38 and XW39. The phenothiazine wrapping in XW36 and XW37 induces more serious distortion, which is beneficial for anti-aggregation but unfavorable for the electron transfer from donor to a porphyrin framework. Thus, individual porphyrin dyes XW36 and XW37 exhibit efficiencies of 9.05 and 9.58%, respectively, lower than those of 9.51 and 10.0% achieved for XW38 and XW39, respectively. Besides, the introduction of a methyl group into a benzoic acid acceptor unit is conducive to anti-aggregation and thus improves the V_oc and efficiencies. Therefore, higher efficiencies were achieved for XW37 and XW39, compared with XW36 and XW38, respectively. Interestingly, although the individual XW36 dye shows a lowest efficiency among the four dyes, a highest efficiency of 11.7% was obtained for XW36 on the basis of synergetic adsorption with chenodeoxycholic acid and PT-C6 because of simultaneously improved J_sc and V_oc, which may be ascribed to the lowest dye-loading amount of XW36 among all of these porphyrin dyes, with the largest vacancy area left on the TiO₂ surface available for cosensitizer PT-C6, resulting in a highest J_sc. The high efficiency of 11.7% is one of the highest efficiencies using I^-/I₃^- electrolytes in DSSCs. These results provide an effective strategy for developing efficient DSSCs by the targeted coadsorption and cosensitization of porphyrin sensitizers optimized through introducing a bis( ortho-alkoxy)-wrapped phenyl group into the phenothiazine donor and/or methyl groups into the benzoic acid acceptor unit.

Synthesis of near-infrared absorbing and fluorescing thiophene-fused BODIPY dyes with strong electron-donating groups and their application in dye-sensitised solar cells

Thiophene-fused BODIPY dyes with two diethylaminophenyl groups as strong donors demonstrated near-infrared (NIR) absorption (λ_max: 783–812 nm, ε: 119 500–145 900) and fluorescence (F_max: 862–916 nm, Φ_f: 0.02–0.12) in dichloromethane.

Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Fundamentals and Current Status

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) belong to the group of thin-film solar cells which have been under extensive research for more than two decades due to their low cost, simple preparation methodology, low toxicity and ease of production. Still, there is lot of scope for the replacement of current DSSC materials due to their high cost, less abundance, and long-term stability. The efficiency of existing DSSCs reaches up to 12%, using Ru(II) dyes by optimizing material and structural properties which is still less than the efficiency offered by first- and second-generation solar cells, i.e., other thin-film solar cells and Si-based solar cells which offer ~ 20-30% efficiency. This article provides an in-depth review on DSSC construction, operating principle, key problems (low efficiency, low scalability, and low stability), prospective efficient materials, and finally a brief insight to commercialization.

Organocatalyzed Controlled Radical Polymerizations

Radical polymerizations are responsible for a significant amount of the World's total polymer production. Free-radical polymerization provides a relatively inexpensive and facile route to produce bulk plastic products, however, it fails in the synthesis of precisely defined macromolecules. To address this issue, controlled radical polymerizations have been developed, which utilize a reversible deactivation mechanism for the synthesis of advanced polymeric architectures. In this chapter, we discuss the mechanisms and applications of organocatalyzed controlled radical polymerizations, specifically atom transfer radical polymerization, photo mediated reversible addition fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization, and reversible complexation mediated radical polymerization, as powerful new methods for precision polymer synthesis.

1,1′-Bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene-appended nickel(ii) dithiolates as sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells

Herein, two dppf-appended Ni(ii) dithiolates with 2,2-diacetyl and 2-nitro anchors were prepared, and their light harvesting properties were explored in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).

Effect of structural manipulation in hetero-tri-aryl amine donor-based D–A′–π–A sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells

Modification of a triarylamine donor group along with variation in the anchoring groups could finely manipulate the photophysical property and tuning the behaviour of D–A′–π–A sensitizers in DSSCs for better efficiency achievement.

Influence of redox electrolyte on the device performance of phenothiazine based dye sensitized solar cells

We report on a new organic dye based on phenothiazine for DSC application.

Hole-Transporting Materials for Printable Perovskite Solar Cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) represent undoubtedly the most significant breakthrough in photovoltaic technology since the 1970s, with an increase in their power conversion efficiency from less than 5% to over 22% in just a few years. Hole-transporting materials (HTMs) are an essential building block of PSC architectures. Currently, 2,2',7,7'-tetrakis-(N,N'-di-p-methoxyphenylamine)-9,9'-spirobifluorene), better known as spiro-OMeTAD, is the most widely-used HTM to obtain high-efficiency devices. However, it is a tremendously expensive material with mediocre hole carrier mobility. To ensure wide-scale application of PSC-based technologies, alternative HTMs are being proposed. Solution-processable HTMs are crucial to develop inexpensive, high-throughput and printable large-area PSCs. In this review, we present the most recent advances in the design and development of different types of HTMs, with a particular focus on mesoscopic PSCs. Finally, we outline possible future research directions for further optimization of the HTMs to achieve low-cost, stable and large-area PSCs.

Organocatalyzed Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization: Perspectives on Catalyst Design and Performance

The recent development of organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (O-ATRP) represents a significant advancement in the field of controlled radical polymerizations. A number of classes of photoredox catalysts have been employed thus far in O-ATRP. Analysis of the proposed mechanism gives insight into the relevant photophysical and chemical properties that determine catalyst performance. Discussion of each of the classes of O-ATRP catalysts highlights their previous uses, their roles in the development of O-ATRP, and the distinctive properties that govern their polymerization behavior, leading to a set of design principles for O-ATRP catalysts. Remaining challenges for O-ATRP are presented, as well as prospects for further improvement in the application scope of O-ATRP.

Crystallisation-enhanced bulk hole mobility in phenothiazine-based organic semiconductors

A series of three novel donor-acceptor systems based on C(3)-malononitrile-substituted phenothiazines was synthesised in good overall yields and their thermal, spectroscopic, and electrochemical properties were characterised. The compounds were prepared through a sequence of Ullmann-coupling, Vilsmeier-Haack formylation and Knoevenagel-condensation, followed by Suzuki-coupling reactions for introduction of aryl substitutents at C(7) position of the phenothiazine. The introduction of a donor unit at the C(7) position exhibited a weak impact on the optical and electrochemical characteristics of the compounds and led to amorphous films with bulk hole mobilities in the typical range reported for phenothiazines, despite the higher charge delocalisation as attested by computational studies. In contrast, highly ordered films were formed when using the C(7)-unsubstituted 3-malononitrile phenothiazine, exhibiting an outstanding mobility of 1 × 10⁻³ cm² V⁻¹ s⁻¹, the highest reported for this class of compounds. Computational conformational analysis of the new phenothizanes suggested that free rotation of the substitutents at the C(7) position suppresses the ordering of the system, thereby hampering suitable packing of the new materials needed for high charge carrier mobility.

Tuning the physical properties of organic sensitizers by replacing triphenylamine with new donors for dye sensitized solar cells - a theoretical approach

New donor molecules with low ionization potential have been theoretically designed by replacing the benzene moieties in triphenylamine (TPA) with thiophene as well as furan. The designed new donors also exhibited planar structure, making an angle of 120° around the nitrogen atom that results in resonance effects through π-bonds of aryl rings. New sensitizers have been theoretically studied using DFT and TD-DFT by adopting these designed donors. UV-Vis absorption spectra, light harvesting ability (LHE) and electron injection ability (ΔG_inject) of the designed sensitizers have been calculated by taking L0 as reference. Orbital overlapping between donor and acceptor facilitates intra-molecular charge transfer, thereby increasing the interfacial electron injection from the sensitizer to the semiconductor nanoparticles. Our theoretical results demonstrate that sensitizers DTPA-AA and DFPA-AA have broader absorption and lower ΔG_inject respectively compare to L0, this opens a new way for designing sensitizers for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). All the dyes designed were found to be good light harvesters.

Ferrocenyl benzimidazole with carboxylic and nitro anchors as potential sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells

Two ferrocenyl benzimidazoles with carboxylic and nitro anchors were prepared and their light harvesting properties explored in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).