The increasing global demand in energy has triggered extensive research in the area of renewable energy sources, in particular for solar energy. Recently, Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) have been investigated as alternatives to silicon-based solar cells. Our work has dealt with the development of novel dye molecules based on transition metal complexes for potential applications in DSSCs. Here we present the synthesis, optical and electrochemical characterization of five new di-acetylide platinum-based complexes <b>8a-e,</b> comprising a pyranylidene ligand and functional groups (i.e. phenyl, furan, bi- and tri-thiophene) of different natures and lengths as linkers separating the platinum unit from the anchoring cyanoacetic group. The performances of these complexes in DSSCs were also studied. The D-π-M-π-A combination resulted in dyes exhibiting an effective broadening of the light absorption spectrum, and consequently, in a higher photocurrent production and a higher photoconversion efficiency (PCE). The photoconversion efficiency obtained reaches 4.7 % for <b>8e</b> (compound with the tri-thiophene segment), which is among the highest efficiencies reported for platinum complexes in DSSCs.

Synthesis and photovoltaic performances of di-acetylide platinum complexes in dye-sensitized solar cells

249th National Meeting (2015)

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