Pyridyl anchored indolium dyes for the p-type dye sensitized solar cell

Three new thiophenyl bridged triarylamine-donor based dyes with pyridyl anchoring groups and indolium acceptors have been synthesized studied as sensitizers for the p-type dye-sensitized solar cell (p-DSSC). Compared to known dicyano pyridinium same triarylamine cores, these broadened red-shifted UV–vis absorption spectra, high extinction coefficients extending beyond 700 nm. TD-DFT calculations on family indicate that combine strong donor acceptor communication, a degree of charge separation in excited state – an ideal combination sensitizer dyes. The phenylpyridyl anchored bis-indolium gives highest power conversion efficiency (0.097%) through short circuit photocurrent (JSC) 3.04 mA cm?2, open voltage (VOC) 97 mV fill factor 36%. This exceeds performance P1 reference dye this study, represents best so far cationic, pyridine p-DSSC dye.