Supramolecular architectures featuring antenna effect in solid state DSSC

Abstract : Hybrid artificial antenna systems, with implementation of nature’s basic concept of self-organization of chromophores, attract a vast interest due to their potential application to solar cells. Herein, we report a new supramolecular system comprising of two porphyrins, a free base and its Zinc analogue, bearing diphenylalanine units. The first is grafted on TiO2 surface and plays the role of initiator for the self-assembly of the second, inducing the formation of multi-molecular self-assembled spherical nanostructures. The achieved assemblies display antenna effect and are used as biomimetic chromophore systems for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). This selfassembled antenna system gives a proof of concept that multichromophoric supramolecular assemblies based on hydrogen bonds can be of the practical use for photovoltaic application.