Tetrazolium anchor porphyrin-based self-assembly for supramolecular solar cells

Abstract

We have synthesized tetrazolium anchor porphyrin (MPTz) with different metal ions (M, M = Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Co²⁺) and triphenylamine group antenna molecule L2 on the nanostructured TiO₂ electrode surfaces, resulting in a ZnPTz + L2 assembled approach, based on self-assembled dye ZnPTz + L2 for highly efficient dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The photoelectric conversion efficiency of solar cells sensitized by the dyes with antenna molecule (L2) were enhanced when compared to that sensitized by the dye with monolayer anchor porphyrin (ZnPTz). We have carefully examined their optical and electrochemical properties and device performance. In addition, the modes of the assemblies immobilized on TiO₂ electrode surfaces were also verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Keywords:

• Supramolecular solar cells
• Tetrazolium anchor porphyrin
• Self-assembly

Acknowledgements

We are very grateful to Prof. Peng Wang (Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences) for supplying device fabrication and measurement of solar cells.

Additional information

Funding

The National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 21461023), Qian Nan Science and Technology Project (No. Qiannan Ke He [2018]07) and Major projects of research and Innovation Fund of Qiannan Normal University for Nationalities (No. QNSY2018BS020) have supported this work.