Efficient quasi-solid-state dye sensitized solar cells based on a novel ruthenium sensitizer

A new sensitizer, Ru(2,2′-bipyridine-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid)-4,4′-bis(2-(2,4,6-tri-methoxyphenyl)ethenyl)-2,2′-bipyridine) (NCS)2, denoted K77-3, was synthesized. The UV–vis spectrum of K77-3 was characterized. Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) based on liquid electrolyte and cyanoacrylate gel electrolyte were fabricated and devices J/V curves were measured. The effects of co-adsorbent chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), weight content of cyanoacrylate and cross linking polymer gel network on device efficiency were discussed. Under solar illumination of 100 mW cm−2(A.M. 1.5), the optimized liquid and quasi-solid-state devices efficiency of 8.21% and 5.93% were obtained, respectively. The long term stability is also presented.