Efficient ruthenium sensitizer with an extended π-conjugated terpyridine ligand for dye-sensitized solar cells.

A ruthenium sensitizer with an extended π-conjugated terpyridine (TUS-42) has been synthesized for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Upon extension of the π-conjugated system of the terpyridine ligand, the conversion efficiency of the DSC with TUS-42 improved successfully to 10.7%, which is almost comparable to that of one of the most efficient ruthenium sensitizers (Black dye).

Ruthenium sensitizers having an ortho-dicarboxyl group as an anchoring unit for dye-sensitized solar cells: synthesis, photo- and electrochemical properties, and adsorption behavior to the TiO₂ surface.

A novel ruthenium sensitizer ((TBA)[Ru(3',4'-dicarboxyterpyridine)(NCS)3], TBA = tetrabutylammonium, TUS-28) has been synthesized as an improved model sensitizer for (TBA)[Ru(4'-(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)terpyridine)(NCS)3] (TUS-20). The molar absorptivity of TUS-28 in the whole visible region was smaller than that of TUS-20 due to the absence of the phenyl ring at the terpyridine ligand. On the other hand, the energy levels of HOMO and LUMO of TUS-28 were still suitable for effective electron transfer reactions in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs).