Rapid Synthesis of D-A′-π-A Dyes through a One-Pot Three-Component Suzuki-Miyaura Coupling and an Evaluation of their Photovoltaic Properties for Use in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Twenty-four D-A--A dyes were rapidly synthesized through a one-pot three-component Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reaction, which was assisted by microwave irradiation. We measured the absorption spectra, electrochemical properties, and solar-cell performance of all the synthesized dyes. The D5A4 dye contained our originally designed rigid and nonplanar donor and exerted the highest efficiency at 5.4%. The short-circuit current (J(sc)) was the most important parameter for the conversion efficiency () in the case of the organic D-A--A dyes. Optimal ranges for the D-A--A dyes were observed for high values of J(sc)/(max) at =560-620nm, an optical-absorption edge of =690-790nm, and E-HOMO and E-LUMO values of <1.14 and -0.56 to -0.76V, respectively.