An efficient metal-free sensitizer for dye-sensitized solar cells

A novel metal-free organic dye consisting of a phenothiazine donor, a 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene bridge, and a cyanoacrylate acceptor is synthesized and its optical, electrochemical and photovoltaic properties are characterized. A solar cell employing the metal-free dye exhibits a maximum solar energy to an electricity conversion efficiency of 6.72% under AM 1.5 solar simulator (100 mW cm− 2). The results suggest that dye based on a phenothiazine donor and 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene π-spacer is a promising candidate for high performance dye-sensitized solar cells.