Synthesis of triarylamines with secondary electron-donating groups for dye-sensitized solar cells

Three organic dyes XS24–26 containing N,N-dimethylaniline and butoxybenzene have been designed, synthesized and applied in the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The influence of secondary electron-donating groups on the performance of DSSCs is discussed. The dimethylaniline is beneficial to extend absorption spectrum, whereas butoxybenzene is useful to suppress electron recombination. XS26 containing butoxybenzene and thiophene unit gives the highest power efficiency η of 5.67%, with a JSC of 12.36 mA cm−2, VOC of 680 mV, and ff of 0.67.

Highlight
► Triarylamines containing N,N-dimethylaniline and butoxybenzene unit for DSSCs.
► The dimethylaniline unit extends absorption spectrum.
► The butoxybenzene is useful to suppress electron recombination.
► A power efficiency η of 5.67% was obtained in dye with butoxybenzene unit.