Two bodipy dyes with different carboxylic acids on the meso-position of the bodipy core were prepared and used to sensitize TiO2 photoelectrodes. On the basis of spectroscopic characterization, the photoelectrodes were used to fabricate photoelectrochemical cells (PECs) for solar light harvesting. Photovoltaic measurements showed that both bodipy dyes successfully sensitized PECs with short-circuit current densities (JSC) two-fold higher compared to the control. The increase in generated current was attributed to the gain in spectral absorbance due to the presence of bodipy. Finally, the influence of co-sensitization of bodipy and N719 dye was also investigated and photovoltaic device performance discussed.
Keywords: Dye-sensitized solar cells; N719 dye; bodipy dye; co-sensitization; photoelectrochemical cells.