Design and synthesis of new photoactive molecules for dye-sensitized-solar-cells (DSSCs) operating in low-light conditions

Among all the photovoltaic technologies, Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)[1] attracted the attention of researchers for their low manufacturing costs, easy availability of raw materials, and short payback times. The latest trend for DSSC applications is moving to indoor or dim-light environments because DSSCs have much higher efficiencies than Si-based solar cells (~ 30 %).[2] Thus, indoor photovoltaics are emerging as an important technology suited for IoT (Internet of Things) applications, household, and various electronic applications.[3] Herein, the design and synthesis of two new photosensitizers for DSSCs indoor are presented. Both molecules have shown the properties suitable for this type of application, with a large light absorption in the visible region and redox potentials compatible with the most common organometallic redox couples. First preliminary DSSCs tests were run on dye 6, which showed promising efficiencies (up to 3.1%) when home-made electrolytes were used.