Synthesis of a novel dinuclear ruthenium polypyridine dye for dye-sensitized solar cells application

A new dinuclear ruthenium(II) polypyridine complex has been successfully synthesized. The new compound has been characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical methods. Its potential application as a sensitizing dye in dye-sensitized solar cells has been checked under AM 1.5 G irradiation conditions (100 mW cm−2) and its performance was compared to that of a commercially available mononuclear analogous dye. The overall light-to-electricity conversion efficiency of the photovoltaic device sensitized by the new dinuclear dye has been found to be over 2.5 times lower than that sensitized by the commercial analogue, despite a much higher extinction coefficient of the former dye. The probable reasons for the lower photovoltaic activity are discussed.

A novel dinuclear ruthenium complex has been successfully synthesized and used as a sensitizing dye in DSSC, giving Jsc = 1.01 mA cm−2, Voc = 520 mV and η = 0.32%.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide