A Photoelectrochemical Study of Bioinspired 2-Styryl-1-Benzopyrylium Cations on TiO Nanoparticle Layer for Application in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

In the present work, five 2-styryl-1-benzopyrylium salts and their relative self-assembly processes towards TiO nanocrystalline layers were evaluated as photosensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Integration of these 2-styryl-1-benzopyrylium salts with the semiconductor allow for the performance of highly specific functions suitable for smart applications in material science. Spectroscopic and photoelectrochemical measurements conducted on these five bio-inspired dyes, in solution and upon adsorption onto titanium dioxide films, allowed detailed discussion of the anchoring ability of the different donor groups decorating the 2-styryl-1-benzopyrylium core and have demonstrated their ability as photosensitizers.