THE SYNTHESIS OF NOVEL BIPODAL TRIPHENYLAMINE-BASED DYES FOR APPLICATION IN THE ELECTROSPUN ACTIVE LAYER OF NEXT-GENERATION SOLAR CELLS

Candidate: Emma Dennis
Supervisor: Dr. Bryan Koivisto

ABSTRACT

Solar cells convert sunlight into energy, harnessing the power of an unlimited renewable resource. However, the efficiency of organic solar cells (OSCs) remains limited due to charge dissociation challenges at the donor-acceptor interface. This thesis explores the synthesis and characterization of novel bipodal triphenylamine-based dyes for incorporation into electrospun bulk heterojunction (BHJ) OSCs. To address the limitations of dye-sensitized and organic solar cells, a hybrid device is proposed, the dye-sensitized organic solar cell (DSOSC). The DSOSC’s electrospun active layer enhances surface area, which is beneficial for charge dissociation. Bis(triphenylamine) dye 1.1, featuring hexylthiophene donors and malononitrile acceptors, was synthesized, characterized, and incorporated within electrospun poly(acrylonitrile) nanofibres. This work provides valuable insights into the development of dye-containing BHJ OSCs, paving the way for future research and optimization of this hybrid device.