Solid-state dye-sensitized photovoltaic device with newly designed small organic molecule as hole-conductor

A newly and interestingly small organic molecule, (R)-2,2′-dimethoxyl-3,3′-di(phenyl-4-yl-diphenyl-amine)-[1,1′]-binaphthyl, was introduced into solid-state electrolyte to assemble dye-sensitized photoelectrical cell. With optimized molecular structure and composite porous TiO₂ electrode, the solid-state device without any additives in electrolyte converted light to electric efficiency with a 0.07%. Under the assistance of some functional small-molecules in the electrolyte, solid-state devices showed an attractive conversion efficiency of 0.55%. In addition, the positive effects of functional additives on the photoelectrical performance, such as inhibiting interface charge recombination, improving hole-transporting properties and penetration of solid-state electrolyte, were discussed experimentally and theoretically in detail.