Optimization of the structural, optical, and photovoltaic characteristics of a novel ruthenium(III) complex as a photosensitizer for solar cells

Abstract

A novel ruthenium(III) complex, [Ru(DAP)2(H2O)2]Cl3 (where DAP = 5,6-Diamino-1,3-dimethylpyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione), was synthesized for potential application as a photosensitizer dye in solar cell. The ruthenium complex was made and precipitated as violet crystals by reaction of K2[RuCl5H2O] with the ligand DAP, in an aqueous ethanol (1:1; v/v)). Elemental analysis, magnetic, thermal, X-ray diffraction, electron scanning microscope and spectroscopic techniques were used for physico-chemical characterizations. Additionally, the electrochemical properties were studied by cyclic voltammetry and voltammogram showed different peaks with different oxidation potentials confirming an extraordinary electrochemical property for the complex. The fabrication of nanostructured films of ruthenium(III) complex was achieved through the thermal evaporation technique, and from which optical and electrical characterizations were studied and interpreted. A solar cell hybridizing organic and inorganic materials, incorporating a ruthenium(III) complex and silicon, was fabricated. The current-voltage characteristic of this cell was measured, and from which the photovoltaic parameters were estimated. The solar cell exhibits a filling factor of 0.40 and an efficiency of 3.58 %.