A sensibilização de TiO2 à luz visível pela espécie cis-[(dcbH2)2Ru(isq)2](ClO4)2, onde dcbH2 = 4,4'-(CO2H)2-2,2'-bipiridina e isq = isoquinolina, é relatada. O espectro de ação de fotocorrente, obtido para células solares regenerativas com filmes de TiO2 nanocristalinos recobertos com o corante, resultou em valores de IPCE de até 40%. Este novo composto atua eficientemente como sensibilizador de fotoanodo de TiO2 em células solares do tipo sanduíche constituídas de camada delgada.

The effective sensitization of TiO2 to visible light by cis-[(dcbH2)2Ru(isq)2](ClO4)2, where dcbH2 = 4,4'-(CO2H)2-2,2'-bipyridine and isq = isoquinoline, is reported. The photocurrent action spectrum obtained for the regenerative solar cell with dye coated nanocrystalline TiO2 films resulted in IPCE values up to 40%. This novel compound acts as an efficient TiO2 photoanode sensitizer in thin-layer sandwich-type solar cells.

The conversion of solar energy into more useful forms of energy, such as chemical fuels or electricity, is one of the central problems facing modern science. Progress in photochemistry and chemical synthesis has led to a point where light energy conversion by means of artificial molecular devices can be rationally attempted. In this article, a general approach towards this challenging goal is presented.