4′-functionalized 2,2′:6′,2′′ terpyridine ruthenium (II) complex: a nanocrystalline TiO₂based solar cell sensitizer

Abstract

The synthesis of an Ru(II) complex derived from 4'-(4-methacryloyloxymethylphenyl)- 2,2':6',2'' terpyridine ligand, together with its spectral and electrochemical properties, has been described. The application of this complex, which does not possess the usual anchoring groups like carboxylate or phosphate, in a dye sensitized nanocrystalline TiO2 solar cell has indicated a short circuit current of 0.252 mA, an open circuit potential of 377 mV with an overall efficiency of 3.63%. The overall conversion efficiency of the system remains stable for a long period due to the efficient electron injection into the conduction band during light absorption. The high resolution scanning electron microscopy picture reveals a three-dimensional network of interconnected nanoscale particles, while x-ray diffraction studies show that the particle size is 21 nm.