New D-A propeller system with pyridine core for co-sensitization in dye sensitized solar cells

In this study, a propeller-type molecule with a pyridine core (D) was designed and synthesized. Photophysical and electrochemical studies, along with theoretical DFT simulations, indicated that the molecule has suitable light absorption properties and frontier molecular orbital levels for usage as a sensitizer in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Meanwhile, the standard dye Z-907 was chosen to investigate the effect of the synthesized molecule as a co-adsorbent dye on DSSCs. Intriguingly, when compared to the D and Z907-based devices, the performance of the co-sensitized Z907 thorn D cell exhibited an increase in photocurrent (JSC), photo-voltage (VOC), and, as a result, total power conversion efficiency (PCE).

Automated summary

In this study, a propeller-type molecule with a pyridine core (D) was synthesized and found to have suitable light absorption properties and frontier molecular orbital levels for usage as a sensitizer in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), as confirmed by photophysical and electrochemical studies and theoretical DFT simulations. Moreover, the synthesized molecule was tested as a co-adsorbent dye in DSSCs using the standard dye Z-907, and showed improved performance in photocurrent, photo-voltage, and total power conversion efficiency compared to devices based solely on D or Z907.