Thermal stability of the DSC ruthenium dye C106 in robust electrolytes

Thermal degradation of the dye-sensitized solar cell dye C106 adsorbed on TiO2 particles was investigated in two different robust electrolytes at 80 °C in sealed glass ampules. The samples were prepared under ambient and strict atmospheric moisture control in a glove box and heated for 0-1500 h in dark. Samples prepared in the glove box gave the best results with a steady state surface concentration of 80% intact C106 and ∼20% N-butylbenzimidazole substitution products after 1500 h of heating at 80 °C. Samples prepared under ambient conditions gave a steady state C106 concentration of 60% of the initial value and 40% substitution products.142