A thin layer photocell based on a tris(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium complex immobilized in a membrane containing an electronically conductive polymer

A thin layer photocell was constructed in which tin oxide (Nesa glass) modified with a tris(2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium complex immobilized in a polyvinylcinnamate membrane was used as the working electrode, platinum was used as the counter electrode, and an aqueous solution containing the disodium salt of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid was placed between the electrodes. The photocell generated a photocurrent under visible light irradiation. The generation of photocurrent was considerably enhanced when the working electrode was modified by the addition of the tetracyanoquinodimethane salt of poly-4-vinylpyridine and neutral tetracyanoquinodimethane.