| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 177061 | Dyes and Pigments | 2012 | 10 Pages |
A new metal-free organic sensitizer containing a furan moiety as the π-spacer based on the diketo-pyrrolo-pyrrole unit was synthesized through simple synthetic routes and with low cost for the application of dye-sensitized solar cells. Two corresponding dyes with benzene and thiophene spacers were also synthesized for the purpose of comparison. On the basis of optimized DSSC test conditions, the sensitizer containing the furan shows prominent solar energy conversion efficiency (η) of 5.65% (Jsc = 15.96 mA cm−2, Voc = 541 mV, ff = 0.65) under simulated full sunlight irradiation. The dyes were also tested in a solvent-free ionic liquid electrolyte devices and the stability of devices was performed over 2000 h at full sunlight. The sensitizer containing the furan moiety exhibited good stability and better photovoltaic performance of up to 4.41% power conversion efficiency.
Graphical abstractThe HOMO and LUMO energy levels can be tuned by introduction of the benzene, furan and thiophene π-spacer bridge between the DPP moiety and cyanoacrylic acid acceptor. The sensitizer containing the furan moiety exhibited good stability and better photovoltaic performance of up to 4.41% power conversion efficiency in solvent-free ionic liquid electrolyte.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We synthesized DPP sensitizers through simple routes and with low cost. ► Furan shows better charge mobility and stability than thiophene. ► The furan-based sensitizer showed efficiency of 4.41% in ionic liquid electrolyte. ► The device sensitized by the dye with a furan moiety also exhibited good stability.
