New pyran-based molecules as both n- and p-type sensitizers in semi-transparent dye sensitized solar cells
We report here on the synthesis of four novel pyran-based DSSC photosensitizers. The dyes are constituted of a pyran core functionalized with different electron acceptor groups and with peripheral cyano-acrylic groups. The molecules were carefully characterized for what concerns optical and electrochemical properties and a clear dependence from the strength of the electron-acceptor group functionalizing the pyran core was observed. A detailed DFT analysis on the dyes gave a better insight of the electronic properties and showed a good accord with the experimental properties.