Synthesis and photovoltaic performances of donor–π–acceptor dyes utilizing 1,3,5-triazine as π spacers

A series of new-type of donor–π–acceptor dyes (TCT-1–6) utilizing 1,3,5-triazine as π spacers were synthesized. These dyes were characterized by 1H NMR, ESI-MS, EA, and X-ray crystallography. Their photovoltaic performances were also investigated. An overall photon-to-electron conversion efficiency of 1.8% was achieved with the DSSC based on the dye TCT-1(Jsc = 3.33 mA/cm2, Voc = 757 mV, FF = 71.8%) under AM 1.5G illumination (100 mW/cm2).