Synthesis of phthalocyanines with donor–acceptor properties and their applications to dye-sensitized solar cell

Abstract

In this study, photovoltaic cell devices based on phthalocyanine structures with metal-free and zinc metal-containing D–π–A substitutes consisting of biphenyl and cyano-containing substituents have been synthesized. The non-symmetrical phthalocyanine photo-sensitizer has three biphenyls and one cyano group, respectively, which act as electron release and withdrawal. The new light-sensitive dye cells were tested in dye-sensitive solar cells and the performance was compared to N719 dye. All compounds synthesized were characterized using FTIR, 1 H NMR, C NMR, UV–Vis and MS spectroscopic data. First, the relationship between symmetric and non-symmetric ZnPc and H2Pc morphology and photovoltaic properties was discussed. The effects of symmetric and asymmetric cyano groups on solar cell efficiency were investigated. Furthermore, according to the results from the non-symmetrical ZnPc device prepared at room temperature, it was determined that it exhibited relatively higher photovoltaic cell efficiency due to significant improvements in short-circuit photo-current (Jsc) and open-circuit voltage (Voc).