Ren-Zhi Li

A dye-sensitized solar cell containing an anchoring porphyrin

Abstract We have designed a self-assembly ZnP-ZnPA, based on a porphyrin ZnP bearing 1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diamine unit, and anchoring porphyrin ZnPA. The assembly with ZnP-ZnPA was immobilized on nanostructured TiO2 electrode surfaces. The assembled structures were characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The optical, photovoltaic, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency were measured. The results revealed that the ZnP-ZnPA device had better photovoltaic performance than ZnPA and possessed a higher shortcircuit photocurrent density (JSC = 6.04) but a lower open-circuit photovoltage (VOC = 0.51) than anchoring ZnPA. Moreover, our previously reported assembly (ZnP-A1) as reference, the assembly device ZnP-ZnPA had better η (2.24%) and FF (72.7%).

New self-assemblies with zinc meso-tetra[3-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl] porphyrin for use in supramolecular solar cells

In this work, a new zinc meso-tetra[3-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl]porphyrin (ZnP) was synthesized. Further, the porphyrin ZnP was immobilized by metal-ligand axial coordination (ZnP-A) and a metal-ligand edged binding approach (ZnP-Zn-A) on the nanostructured TiO2 electrode surface modified with coordinating ligand functionality, isonicotinic acid (A). The performances of the assemblies-sensitized solar cells were performed under irradiance of 100 mW cm−2 AM 1.5G sunlight. Photo-electrochemical studies reveal significantly improved performance of the assembly ZnP-A. These assemblies can afford a fertile base for further design and fabrication of new supramolecular solar cells in future.