Novel D–π–A type II organic sensitizers for dye sensitized solar cells

Four organic donor–π–conjugated-acceptor (D–π–A) type II dyes with different thiophene linkers are reported for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). For the first time, a donor (triphenylamine) was introduced in type II sensitizers, and 2-hydroxybenzonitrile as acceptor/anchoring moiety was covalently linked TiO 2 particles. The dye LS203 in this series gives the best solar energy conversion efficiency of 3.4%, with J sc = 7.4 mA cm −2 , V oc = 0.67 V, FF = 0.69, the maximum IPCE value reaches 66.9%.