Two
new Ru(II)−/Os(II)−polypyridyl based sensitizer dyes with geminal
dicarboxylic acid group as the binding unit for superior grafting of the
dye to TiO2 have been designed and synthesized. Steady-state photochemical studies of the two sensitizer dyes in presence of TiO2 in water confirm strong binding of the dyes to TiO2. Femtosecond transient absorption studies of these newly synthesized dyes on TiO2
nanosurface have been carried out in water and the results have been
compared with those for the corresponding 4,4′-dicarboxy-2,2′-bipyridine
analogues of the dyes. While the charge recombination rates are
considerably slower, interestingly, the electron injection rates are
very fast for multiple saturated C−C linkages present between the
chromophoric core and the anchoring moiety. The origin and the
consequences of such profound effects on the ultrafast interfacial
dynamics are discussed. This is the first report on the ultrafast
transient absorption studies of dyes with geminal dicarboxylic acid
binding groups, which we believe will add significantly to the present
research efforts toward the development of robust and efficient dyes for
use in dye solar applications.