Polander, Lauren E.Yella, AswaniTeuscher, JoëlHumphry-Baker, RobinCurchod, Basile F. E.Ashari Astani, NegarGao, PengMoser, Jacques-E.Tavernelli, IvanoRöthlisberger, UrsulaGrätzel, MichaelNazeeruddin, Md. KhajaFrey, Julien2013-08-142013-08-142013-08-14201310.1021/cm401144jhttps://infoscience.epfl.ch/handle/20.500.14299/94120WOS:000321809700011Two D−π−A dyes based on the dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole π-bridge (DTP) were synthesized, characterized using UV−vis absorption spectroscopy and electrochemistry, modeled using quantum chemical calculations, and used as sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). The photoelectrochemical properties and DSC performance are thoroughly compared with their cyclopenta[1,2-b:5,4-b′]dithiophene (CPDT) analogues. The use of DTP results in a small increase in the zero−zero transition energy reflecting the higher lying lowest unoccupied molecular orbital that is commonly reported for DTP relative to CPDT systems. This increased optical gap manifests in slightly blue-shifted incident photon-to-collected electron conversion efficiency (IPCE) responses; however, increased open- circuit photovoltage values and improved charge-transfer kinetics relative to the CPDT systems result in comparable power conversion efficiencies. The present report highlights the potential of DTP for the development of tailored sensitizers employing stronger acceptors.dye-sensitized solar cellsD−π−Adithienopyrroletext::journal::journal article::research article