Application of a new 4'-functionalized 2,2': 6',2''-terpyridine ruthenium(ii) complex as a sensitizer in dye sensitized solar cells

Abstract

In this work, the synthesis of a Ru(II) complex derived from 4'-functionalized-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine ligand was described and the its spectral property of this complex was investigated. We synthesized this ligand and used that for the synthesis of Ru(II) complex. Ligand and complex were characterized by UV-vis, FT-IR, ESI-MS, CHN analysis and NMR methods. After synthesis and characterization of this complex, we investigated the application of this complex as a photosensitizer in manufacturing of dye-sensitized solar cells. A sandwich cell was prepared using the dye anchored TiO2 film as a working electrode and a second conducting glass coated with chemically deposited platinum as a counter electrode. The application of this complex in a dye-sensitized nanocrystalline TiO2 solar cell has demonstrated a short-circuit current density of 12.84 mA, with an open circuit potential of 0.69 V. The total efficiency of this dye-sensitized solar cell with this complex was 4.97%. © 2021 The Japan Institute of Heterocyclic Chemistry.