Efficient panchromatic sensitization of nanocrystalline TiO2 films by a black dye based on a trithiocyanato–ruthenium complex

A black trithiocyanato–ruthenium(II) terpyridyl complex where the terpyridyl ligand is substituted by three carboxyl groups in 4,4′,4″-positions achieves very efficient panchromatic sensitization of nanocrystalline TiO 2 solar cells over the whole visible range extending into the near-IR region up to 920 nm.