Study of electrospun nanofibers loaded with Ru() phenanthroline complexes as a potential material for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs)

• Published in: RSC advances Vol. 13; no. 51; pp. 3623 - 3634
• Main Authors: Villarreal Gómez, Luis Jesús, Iglesias, Ana Leticia, Miranda Soto, Valentín, Olivas Sarabia, Amelia, Valdez Castro, Ricardo, López Maldonado, Eduardo Alberto, Oropeza Guzmán, Mercedes Teresita, Romero Soto, Christian Alfonso, Lizarraga Medina, Eder German, Vazquez Arce, Jorge Luis
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Royal Society of Chemistry 08-12-2023; The Royal Society of Chemistry
• Subjects: Chemistry; Chloroform; Differential scanning calorimetry; Dye-sensitized solar cells; Dyes; Electrons; Energy conversion efficiency; Fourier transforms; Mechanical properties; Morphology; Nanofibers; Polycaprolactone; Porosity; Ruthenium compounds; Thermodynamic properties; Thermogravimetric analysis; Weight loss
• ISSN: 2046-2069; 2046-2069
• DOI: 10.1039/d3ra07283e

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are an increasingly attractive alternative energy source because of their low cost. Therefore, researchers have intensified efforts over the past decade to increase their energy conversion efficiency by employing new materials in each DSSC component. The present research focuses on synthesizing electrospun nanofibers as a potential new material as a counter electrode in DSSCs. Two Ru(
ii
) half sandwich 1,10 phenanthroline (phen)
Ru-1
and 5-amino- phen
Ru-2
complexes were prepared for its functionalization. As a deposition medium, poly(caprolactone) (PCL) dissolved in chloroform was used. Different Ru(
ii
) complex concentrations were made at 0.1% wt., 0.5% wt., and 1% wt. Thermal characterization studies using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were conducted to evaluate the behavior and weight loss of the samples with temperature variations. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements were taken to observe the bond interaction of the ruthenium complexes and the PCL. Finally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to structurally and morphologically evaluate the fiber distribution and porosity. These fibers have a homogeneous morphology, without bulbs, but with evident solid inlays on the surface, with fibers between ∼0.58 to 2.47 μm and percentages of porosity ∼45%. TGA and DSC thermograms show minor temperature variations that demonstrate the incorporation of the Ru(
ii
) complexes into the fiber. Furthermore, the melting and degradation temperature of the fibers is suitable for use in a DSSC approach. The incorporation of the ruthenium compounds into PCL fibers, along with the addition of the NH
2
group into complex
Ru-2
, resulted in a higher current density for both anodic and cathodic peaks in Cyclic Voltammetry (CV). It is noteworthy that from I-V curves, PCL-Ru2 1% fibers demonstrated a conductivity of 0.461 μS cm
−1
, which is comparable to other PCL fibers carrying a higher metal load. Future studies will delve into the mechanical properties of these fibers to highlight their potential for application in this field.
Study of electrospun nanofibers loaded with Ru(
ii
) phenanthroline complexes as a potential material for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).