Polypyridyl ruthenium complexes containing anchoring nitrile groups as TiO2 sensitizers for application in solar cells

Author(s)

Mecchia Ortiz, Juan H. ^[1] ; Longo, Claudia ^[2] ; Katz, Nestor E. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Nacl Tucuman, INQUINOA CONICET, Inst Quim Fis, Fac Bioquim Quim & Farm, San Miguel De Tucuman - Argentina

^[2] Univ Estadual Campinas, UNICAMP, Inst Chem, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Inorganic Chemistry Communications; v. 55, p. 69-72, MAY 2015.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

Ruthenium polypyridyl complexes of general formula {[}Ru(bpy)(3 - x)(Mebpy-CN)(x)](2+) (x = 1,2 and 3, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, Mebpy-CN = 4-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine-4'-carbonitrile) can be used as visible dyes in novel solar cells formed with a porous TiO2 film (1 cm(2)), Pt counter-electrode and iodine/iodide as the redox mediator electrolyte dissolved in a polymeric matrix. These complexes can be anchored over the surface of nanocrystalline TiO2 through nitrile groups, as evidenced by Raman spectra of the adsorbed species. Irradiated by a solar simulator (67 mW cm(-2)), the cells assembled with the Ru complexes with x = 2 and 3 as TiO2 sensitizers exhibit almost identical current-potential curves, with short-circuit photocurrents of 1.25 mA cm(-2), fill factors of 0.5 and overall efficiencies around 0.44%. The Ru complex with x = I and a similar Re complex did not perform as well as sensitizers. These data were consistent with results obtained from quantum efficiency curves and impedance spectra. We conclude that complexes with nitrite groups as anchoring entities are promising candidates for designing efficient DSCCs. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 08/57867-8 - National Institute for Research, Development and Innovation in Functional Complex Materials
• Grantee: Fernando Galembeck
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 08/06059-9 - Semiconductor oxide electrodes for application in solar cells and for water purification by heterogeneous photocatalysis
• Grantee: Claudia Longo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants