Application of novel N-(p-phenylene)-dicyanovinylidene double rhodanine indoline dye for zinc oxide dye-sensitized solar cell

A new indoline dye in which a double rhodanine acceptor is attached to the indoline moiety by a p-phenylene spacer on the indoline–nitrogen, has been examined for its performance as a sensitizer for zinc oxide dye-sensitized solar cells. In the presence of cholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, or lithocholic acid; the performance was greatest for lithocholic acid as this showed the greatest reduction in dye H-aggregate formation.

The best performance was obtained when the dye was adsorbed on zinc oxide in the presence of lithocholic acid, the latter minimizing H-aggregate formation of the dye.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Molecular design of new indoline dye.
► Improvement of Jsc to show good zinc oxide cell performance.
► Decrease in H-aggregates formation in the presence of lithocholic acid.