The Structure-property Relationships of D-π-A BODIPY Dyes for Dye-sensitized Solar Cells

BODIPY dyes have attracted considerable attention as potential photosensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) owing to their excellent optical properties and facile structural modification. This account focuses on recent advances in the molecular design of D-π-A BODIPY dyes for applications in DSSCs. Special attention has been paid to the structure-property relationships of D-π-A BODIPY dyes for DSSCs. The developmental process in the modified position at the BODIPY core with a donor/acceptor is described. The devices based on 2,6-modified BODIPY dyes exhibit better photovoltaic performance over other modified BODIPY dyes. Meanwhile, the research reveals the correlation of molecular structures (various donor chromophores, extended units, molecular frameworks, and long alkyl groups) with their photophysical and electrochemical properties and relates it to their performance in DSSCs. The structure-property relationships give valuable information and guidelines for designing new D-π-A BODIPY dyes for DSSCs.