Synthesis and photoelectric properties of an organic dye containing benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene for dye-sensitized solar cells

A novel benzodithiophene-containing organic dye BDT was synthesized and characterized as a sensitizer for a nanocrystalline TiO2-based dye-sensitized solar cell. The BDT dye shows two major electronic absorptions. The absorption of the BDT dye covers a broad visible range from 300 nm to 550 nm. The benzodithiophene unit was used as a π bridge with several advantages: (1) It facilitates the electron transfer from the donor to the acceptor; (2) A facile structural modification on the 4,8-positions in the benzodithiophene unit can be achieved; (3) Fusing benzene with two flanking thiophene units improves the thermal stability. Under simulated AM1.5G solar light (100 mW/cm2) illumination, the DSC based on BDT gives a power conversion efficiency of 1.78%.

Graphical abstractA novel benzodithiophene-containing organic dye BDT was synthesized and characterized as a sensitizer for a nanocrystalline TiO2-based dye-sensitized solar cell. Under simulated AM1.5G solar light (100 mW/cm2) illumination, the DSC based on BDT gives a power conversion efficiency of 1.78%.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide