Modifications of an unsymmetrical phthalocyanine: Towards stable blue dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells

Gloria Zanotti, Nicola Angelini, Giuseppe Mattioli, Sara Notarantonio, Anna Maria Paoletti, Giovanna Pennesi, Gentilina Rossi, Daniela Caschera, Luisa De Marco, Giuseppe Gigli

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

A new copper phthalocyanine, namely 9(10),16(17),23(24)-tri-tert-butyl-2-[acetynyl-(4-carboxy)phenyl]phthalocyaninatocopper and its related free base have been synthesized as potential stable blue dyes for dye sensitized solar cells. The molecule structure consists on an unsymmetrically-substituted macrocycle bearing three tert-butyl groups and one phenylethynyl moiety as peripheral substituents and it is analogue to that of a previously published zinc derivative. Chemical and optical characterizations, as well as theoretical calculations of the frontier orbitals of both molecules are discussed. To evaluate the effect of the central metal on the photovoltaic behavior of this dye, the novel molecules have been both tested and confronted with the zinc derivative. This last one has shown efficiency values significantly higher than those previously published with a 2.10% maximum efficiency, while the other two dyes yielded 1.66% and 1.38% maximum efficiency respectively.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1207-1216
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Porphyrins and Phthalocyanines
Volume20
Issue number8-11
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Aug 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • DSSC
  • copper derivatives
  • macrocyclic dyes
  • photovoltaics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry

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