Unsymmetrical squaraine dyes (CTSQ-1 and CTSQ-2) with carbazole thiophene donor units were synthesized, characterized and used as sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). These squaraines exhibited intense absorption in the near IR-visible region of the solar spectrum both in solution and on TiO2 surface. The LUMO level of the parent sensitizer (CTSQ-2) was positioned at a potential much close to the conduction band of TiO2 resulting in lack of enough driving force for electron injection which was modulated by structurally changing the donor carbazole moiety (CTSQ-1), pushing the LUMO more positive thereby enhancing the driving force. Theoretical calculations were carried out in order to have a better understanding of the electron density distribution in CTSQ-1 and CTSQ-2. Electron injection dynamics in CTSQ-1 was studied in detail by changing the Li(+) concentration and its effects on photovoltaic parameters were discussed with the help of JV, IPCE, lifetime and EIS measurements.
Organic polar crystals from the donor-acceptor substituted 1,4-diphenybutadiene 1 can generate a short-circuit photocurrent and a photovoltage upon illumination with near UV light. The photocurrent and photovoltage are attributed to a bulk photovoltaic effect. The bulk photovoltaic effect has been known for inorganic polar crystals for decades and can now also be demonstrated for organic polar crystals.
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