10.1016/j.dyepig.2013.12.025
In this research, the main focus was on the development and characterization of four novel carbazole-based organic dyes for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The dyes, containing either a furan or thiophene moiety, were designed with the aim of improving the photovoltaic performance of DSSCs. The synthesis involved the use of reactants such as 3,6-diiodo-9H-carbazole, various alkyl halides, and boronic acids, and included Suzuki cross-coupling and Knoevenagel condensation reactions to attach the donor, linker, and acceptor groups to the carbazole core. The characterization of these dyes was performed using NMR and mass spectrometry to confirm their structures, UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy to determine their absorption properties, and cyclic voltammetry to evaluate their electrochemical behavior. The photovoltaic performance of the DSSCs sensitized by these dyes was assessed through measurements of short-circuit current density (Jsc), open-circuit voltage (Voc), fill factor (FF), and overall conversion efficiency (η) under standard AM 1.5 solar light conditions, with comparisons made to a ruthenium complex dye N719.