I will present our recent progresses in dye-sensitized photoelectrodes for energy conversion and storage. The first area is p-type dye-sensitized photoelectrodes, which achieve charge separation through the photo-driven hole injection from sensitizers to a p-type semiconductor. It provides an attractive platform for tandem dye-sensitized solar cells and artificial photosynthesis. The challenge is in the materials design that achieves the control of directional charge transfer. I will first discuss the synthesis, photophysical, electrochemical, and photovoltaic studies of a series of cyclometalated ruthenium sensitizers, as well as p-type semiconductors that require large dielectric constant, high hole mobility and properly aligned band edges. The second area is photocatalytic water reduction based on the p-type dye-sensitized photoelectrode comprising of a cyclometalated ruthenium sensitizer and a cobaloxime catalyst. The third area is a hybrid device named “solar battery”, which possesses the dual functions of solar energy harvesting and storage. The crucial feature allowing this solar cell to store energy is that it incorporates a redox couple that couples the photoelectrode with the air electrode. Within the device, light and oxygen enable different aspects of the chemical reactions that charge the battery with a special process allowing charge transfer between photoelectrode and battery electrode. The solar battery provides a promising approach of making renewable energy more affordable.

Solar cells, solar fuels, and solar batteries based on dye-sensitized photoelectrodes

249th National Meeting (2015)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.