Synthesis, characterization, electrochemical, spectroelectrochemical and dye-sensitized solar cell properties of Phthalocyanines Containing Carboxylic Acid Anchoring Groups as photosensitizer

Peripherally tetra-4-carboxyethylphenoxy substituted oxotitanium (IV), cobalt(II), zinc(II) and metal free phthalocyanines were synthesized to research the sensitizing abilities of these dye molecules in standard dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). All the synthesized phthalocyanine complexes have been characterized by using elemental analyses, UV–Vis, FT-IR, 1H NMR and MALDI-TOF MS spectroscopic techniques. Electrochemistry of metallo phthalocyanines (MPcs) were studied with electrochemical and in-situ spectroelectrochemical measurements. H2Pc (7) and ZnPc (5) illustrated similar Pc based electron transfer reactions. Differently, CoPc (6) and TiOPc (4) illustrated metal based redox reactions, which enhanced the redox functionality of these complexes. Metal based reductions for CoPc (6) and TiOPc (4) were recorded in addition to the Pc based one. In-situ spectroelectrochemical measurements supported the proposed voltametric mechanism. Moreover, the color and spectra of the electrogenerated species were determined with the in-situ spectroelectrochemical analyses to predict possible optoelectrochemical application of the complexes. Pronounced optical and color changes during the electrolysis of the complexes indicated electrooptical and possible solid state electrochemical functionality of the complexes. TiO2 semiconductor on the fluoride doped indium tin oxide coated glass electrode (FTO) was decorated with H2Pc (7) and TiOPc (4) bearing four carboxyl anchoring groups and they were first of all tested as possible dye for the DSSC. H2Pc (7), TiOPc (4), CoPc (6) and ZnPc (5) dyes used in DSSCs showed 2.9%, 3.3%, 1.02% and 2.2% of power conversion efficiencies respectively. •Synthesis of peripherally tetra-4-carboxyethylphenoxy substituted oxotitanium (IV), cobalt(II), zinc(II) and metal free phthalocyanines bearing four anchoring carboxyl groups.•Rich redox responses of MPc with redox active Co+2 and Ti+4O central cations.•High optoelectrochemical applications due to the intense in situ spectroelectrochemical responses.•Superior photovoltaic properties of H2Pc and TiOPc with 2.9% and 3.3% efficiencies.