Structure/function relationships in dyes for solar energy conversion: a two-atom change in dye structure and the mechanism for its effect on cell voltage

Brian C. O'Regan, Kate Walley, Mindaugas Juozapavicius, Assaf Anderson, Farah Matar, Tarek Ghaddar, Shaik M. Zakeeruddin, Cedric Klein, James R. Durrant

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

226 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recombination between injected electrons and iodine limits the photovoltage in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). We have recently suggested that many new dye molecules, intended to improve DSSCs, can accelerate this reaction, negating the expected improvement (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2008, 130, 2907). Here we study two dyes with only a two-atom change in the structure, yet which give different ∨oc. Using a range of measurements we show conclusively that the change in ∨oc is due solely to the increase in the recombination rate. From the structure of the dyes, and literature values for iodine binding of similar compounds, we find that it is very likely that the change in ∨oc is due solely to the difference in iodine binding at the site of the two-atom change. Using the large amount of literature on iodine complexation, we suggest structures for dyes that might show improved ∨oc.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3541-3548
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume131
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - 18 Mar 2009
Externally publishedYes

Funding

FundersFunder number
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research CouncilEP/E035175/1

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