Fundamental chemical research into alternative energies is a critical priority due to increasing energy demands, diminishing natural resources and environmental concerns. Solar-to-electric energy conversion is one option currently under investigation by our research group where we utilize transition metal based photochemistry for application in dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). DSSCs use photosynthesis as a model in converting solar energy to electricity and provide a promising alternative to current energy sources. Heteroleptic ruthenium dyes utilizing the 4,4'-dicarboxyl-2,2'-bipyridyl (dcbpy) and 8-oxyquinolate (OQN) ligands, e.g.  [Ru(dcbpy)2(OQN)]+ , have shown promise for application in DSSCs relative to thebenchmark N3 dye system. We will present recent progress in this project that seeks to enhance the efficiency of [Ru(dcbpy)2(OQN)]+ based solar cells by the addition of light harvesting and electrically conducting functional groups to the 8-oxyquinolate ligand.

Extending the [prod]-system of the 8-oxyquinolate ligand and its impact on Ru(II) polypyridyl chromophores for application in dye-sensitized solar cells

244th National Meeting (2012)

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