Tetrazole
as a New Anchoring Group for the Functionalization of TiO<sub>2</sub> Nanoparticles: A Joint Experimental and Theoretical Study
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Abstract
Functional hybrid materials are an
important tool for generating original architectures featuring desirable
properties for multiple applications. The success in creating innovative
materials with valuable functionalities relies on the close interaction
between the organic and inorganic parts of the hybrid system. Herein,
we report the use of tetrazole as an anchoring group for the photosensitization
of TiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles by an organic chromophore and the
related performance in dye-sensitized solar cells. The interaction
mode between the tetrazole motif and TiO<sub>2</sub> was thoroughly
investigated by various techniques. The overall study reveals that
the optoelectronic and photovoltaic properties of the dye featuring
tetrazole rival those of an analogue bearing a carboxylic acid function,
even leading to significantly enhanced photovoltage in the device.
These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the tetrazole functional
group as a serious alternative anchoring group for organic photosensitizers
in hybrid materials for energy