Halogen bonding—a key step in charge recombination of the dye-sensitized solar cell

The halogen bonding between [Ru(dcbpy)(2)(SCN)(2)] dye and I(2) molecule has been studied. The ruthenium complex forms a stable [Ru(dcbpy)(2)(SCN)(2)]···I(2)·4(CH(3)OH) adduct via S···I interaction between the thiocyanate ligand and the I(2) molecule. The adduct can be seen as a model for one of the key intermediates in the regeneration cycle of the oxidized dye by the I(-)/I(3)(-) electrolyte in dye sensitized solar cells.