The role of ligands in solar energy production – a case of ancillary and anchoring ligands in transition metal complexes

Odisitse, Sebusi; Mmusi, Keene Carlvin; Matshwele, James Thomas; Nareetsile, Florence; King&#039;ondu, Cecil K

doi:10.22034/crl.2025.485307.1457

The role of ligands in solar energy production – a case of ancillary and anchoring ligands in transition metal complexes

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

Sebusi Odisitse ¹

Keene Carlvin Mmusi ²

James Thomas Matshwele ³

Florence Nareetsile ³

Cecil K King'ondu ¹

¹ Botswana International University of Science and Technology

² Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Gaborone, Botswana

³ Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Gaborone, Botswana

https://doi.org/10.22034/crl.2025.485307.1457

Abstract

An effective photovoltaic technique for powering electronic devices like wireless sensors with indoor light is dye-sensitized solar cells, or DSSCs. Their promise for cost-effective indoor photovoltaics is highlighted by their abundance of inexpensive materials, thin and lightweight flexible solar modules, and cheap cost. Nonetheless, there is a need to manufacture their processes for industrial production so that high photovoltaic efficiency and consistent performance in standard indoor environments can be achieved. This review seeks to shed light on the connection between ancillary and anchoring ligand structures and DSSC characteristics, which can help direct the function-oriented synthesis and design of various DSSC sensitizers. The novel and quickly developing class of chelating ancillary and anchoring ligands is described in this review for the purpose of improving the functionality and stability of DSSCs. In addition, the long-term thermal and chemical stabilities of these polypyridyl complexes, when compared to other typical sensitizers, have attracted increased attention on the possibility for large-scale commercialization of DSSCs. The main goal is to encourage readers to consider fresh possibilities for developing novel DSSC sensitizers based on various auxiliary and anchoring ligands.

Graphical Abstract