This research delves into the creation of dyes that are useful for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The base compound used to develop the dyes discussed in this research is indigo. Although indigo absorbs light in a broad, favorable region of the solar spectrum for DSCs, its low solubility and short-lived excited state make it inefficient in these solar cells. This project was completed as a series of synthesis reactions to make new chromophores from indigo that have a higher solubility and longer-lived excited states to be potentially used in DSCs. The synthesis of mono bay-annulated indigo derivatives was achieved, with progress toward use of these chromophores as ligands coordinated to a Zn metal center.  The characterization and photophysical characteristics of these materials will be discussed.

Synthesis and characterization of bay-annulated indigo for use in dye-sensitized solar cells

ACS Spring 2022

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