Transitional metal complexes have been explored extensively for applications that include dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) due to their broad absorption spectra and favorable photophysical properties. To improve the efficiency on both photoelectrodes, the use of new materials is desirable, however, this demand is limited by the low excited state oxidation and reduction potentials of the dyes currently in use. Also, to increase the capture of the photons from the sun and thus improve the efficiency of solar energy conversion, it is important to extend the spectral response region of the dye to the near-IR. Previous studies from our group have shown that some dirhodium formamidinate complexes that meet these requirements are promising dyes in the DSSCs. [Rh2(DTolF)2(np-4-COOH)2][BF4]2, [Rh2(DTolF)2(dcbpy)2](BF4)2 (np-4-COOH = 1,8-naphthyridine-4-carboxylic acid, dcbpy = 2,2′-bipyridyl-5,5′-dicarboxylic acid) were synthesized and characterized and their electrochemistry, photochemistry and E00T values were investigated, as well as their excited state properties using ultrafast transient absorption and time-resolved infrared spectroscopy. The attachment of the compounds to TiO2 and NiO nanoparticles will be presented, highlighting their usefulness in the electron and hole injection processes, respectively.

Low energy absorbing dirhodium complexes: Potential application in solar energy conversion

254th National Meeting (2017)

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