Cuprophilia: Dye-sensitized solar cells with copper(I) dyes and copper(I)/(II) redox shuttles. (September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Karpacheva, Mariia; Malzner, Frederik J.; Wobill, Cedric; Büttner, Annika; Constable, Edwin C.; Housecroft, Catherine E.
• Is Part Of: Dyes and pigments. Volume 156(2018)
• Page Start: 410
• Page End: 416
• Publication Date: 2018-09
• Subjects: Copper -- Dye-sensitized solar cell -- Sensitizer -- Electrolyte -- Sustainable energy conversion; Dyes and dyeing -- Periodicals; Pigments -- Periodicals; 667.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dyepig.2018.04.033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0143-7208

Abstract

Abstract: With a goal of designing dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) containing only Earth-abundant components to achieve sustainable energy conversion, DSCs with heteroleptic copper(I)-based dyes and homoleptic copper(I)/(II) redox shuttles have been investigated. By using a phosphonic acid anchor, and 4, 4′-dimethoxy-6, 6′-dimethyl-2, 2′-bipyridine as the ancillary ligand in the dye and in the electrolyte, a DSC photoconversion efficiency of 2.06% (38.1% relative to N719 set at 100%) was achieved. The results demonstrate the potential for all-copper-based DSCs, opening the way for further dye and electrolyte optimization. Graphical abstract: Highlights: All-copper dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs) in which both the dye and the electrolyte comprise copper-diimine complexes. The use of Earth-abundant elements in the electrolyte in DSCs. Towards sustainable energy conversion.