Difunctionalized dyes for DSSCs based on two different scaffolds: p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene or isophthalic acid

Abstract

Novel DSSCs (Dye Sensitized Solar Cells) have been developed with difunctionalized dyes, which are based on isophthalic acid or 4-tert-butylcalix[4]arene as scaffold and N,N-dialkylaniline as electrondonor connected to thiophene as π-spacer. This heteroaromatic ring has been used because of its thermal stability and adequate charge transfer. The use of 4-tert-butylcalix[4]arene has given rise a considerable increase of the molar extinction coefficient in this difunctionalized dye relative to the individual one, which makes them susceptible to be used in low luminosity condition. All dyes have been completely characterized. The photoelectrochemical properties of the devices prepared with or without co-adsorbate (chenodeoxycholic acid) have been determined. When co-adsorbate is added, solar cells prepared with isophthalic acid and 4-tert-butylcalix[4]arene have power conversion efficiencies of 6.0 and 6.3%, respectively; such devices also display good long-term stability up to 1000 h.