Dye-sensitized solar cells based on bisindolylmaleimide derivatives

Three organic dyes based on bisindolylmaleimide derivatives (I1, I2 and I3) were synthesized and investigated as sensitizers for the application in nanocrystalline TiO₂ solar cells. The indole group, maleimide group and carboxylic group functioned as electron donor, acceptor and anchoring group, respectively. Solar-to-electrical energy conversion efficiencies under simulated amplitude-modulated 1.5 irradiation (100 mW·cm^?2) of 2.07% were obtained for solar cells based on I2 and of 1.87% and 1.50% for I3 and I1, respectively. The open circuit voltage V _oc was demonstrated to be enhanced by the introduction of dodecyl or benzyl moieties on the indole groups. The nonplanar structure of bisindolylmaleimide was proven to be effective in aggregation resistance. This work suggests that organic sensitizers with maleimide as electron acceptor are promising candidates as organic sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells.