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Spectroscopic detection of halogen bonding resolves dye regeneration in the dye-sensitized solar cell

Author

Listed:
  • Fraser G. L. Parlane

    (The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall
    The University of British Columbia, 2355 East Mall)

  • Chantal Mustoe

    (The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall)

  • Cameron W. Kellett

    (The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall)

  • Sarah J. Simon

    (The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall)

  • Wesley B. Swords

    (The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Murray Hall 2202B)

  • Gerald J. Meyer

    (The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Murray Hall 2202B)

  • Pierre Kennepohl

    (The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall)

  • Curtis P. Berlinguette

    (The University of British Columbia, 2036 Main Mall
    The University of British Columbia, 2355 East Mall
    The University of British Columbia, 2036 East Mall)

Abstract

The interactions between a surface-adsorbed dye and a soluble redox-active electrolyte species in the dye-sensitized solar cell has a significant impact on the rate of regeneration of photo-oxidized dye molecules and open-circuit voltage of the device. Dyes must therefore be designed to encourage these interfacial interactions, but experimentally resolving how such weak interactions affect electron transfer is challenging. Herein, we use X-ray absorption spectroscopy to confirm halogen bonding can exist at the dye-electrolyte interface. Using a known series of triphenylamine-based dyes bearing halogen substituents geometrically positioned for reaction with halides in solution, halogen bonding was detected only in cases where brominated and iodinated dyes were photo-oxidized. This result implies that weak intermolecular interactions between photo-oxidized dyes and the electrolyte can impact device photovoltages. This result was unexpected considering the low concentration of oxidized dyes (less than 1 in 100,000) under full solar illumination.

Suggested Citation

  • Fraser G. L. Parlane & Chantal Mustoe & Cameron W. Kellett & Sarah J. Simon & Wesley B. Swords & Gerald J. Meyer & Pierre Kennepohl & Curtis P. Berlinguette, 2017. "Spectroscopic detection of halogen bonding resolves dye regeneration in the dye-sensitized solar cell," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:8:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-017-01726-7
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01726-7
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