Organic photovoltaic solar cells: Spectroscopic and photoelectric properties of photoactive dyes

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the study of correlation between the molecular structure of photoactive dyes and their spectroscopic properties with their ability for solar energy in electric energy conversion when immersed in a sandwich-like photoelectrochemical cell. Two families of dyes were investigated: porphyrins and phthalocyanines. Spectroscopic studies were accompanied with photoelectric examinations. The influence of metal incorporated into the dye molecular core and of the peripheral groups on the photoelectric response is described. Improvement of the photocurrent intensity is discussed in terms of increasing a number of π electrons in the molecular skeleton, their delocalization and weakening of their bonding in the conjugated system and energy transfer between dyes. To cite this article: D. Wróbel, C. R. Chimie 6 (2003). © 2003 Académie des sciences. Published by Éditions scientifiques et médicales Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.