THE SYNTHESIS OF CARBAZOLE-BASED DYE AS A POTENTIAL SENSITIZER FOR DSSCS APPLICATION

Abstract

The growing demand for renewable energy has spurred interest in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) due to their low cost and flexibility. This study presents the design and stepwise synthesis of a novel carbazole-based organic dye tailored as a sensitizer for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) applications. Utilizing a donor–π–acceptor (D–π–A) architecture, the dye was synthesized through strategic functionalization of the carbazole core, including 3,6-diiodination, N-hexylation, bicarbazolyl coupling, Sonogashira cross-coupling with an ethynylbenzaldehyde derivative, and final condensation with cyanoacetic acid. Each synthetic step was characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, confirming the structural integrity of the intermediates and the final product. Structural modifications improved properties such as light absorption, charge transfer efficiency, and binding affinity to TiO₂. Despite promising molecular features, limitations remain in reaction yields and the lack of photovoltaic performance data. Further studies, including device fabrication, photophysical evaluation, and DFT modeling, are needed to fully assess the dye’s suitability for solar cell applications.