Modulating dye E(S+/S*) with efficient heterocyclic nitrogen containing acceptors for DSCs

Acceptor motifs based on nitrogen containing heterocycles have been synthesized for use in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Through the selective addition of nitrogen atoms and increased conjugation of the nitrogen containing heterocycles the excited-state oxidation potential, E((S+/S*)), may be conveniently tuned with minimal effect on the ground-state oxidation potential, E((S+/S)), of the dye.