Luminescent metal complexes. Part 1. Tris-chelates of substituted 2,2′-bipyridyls with ruthenium (II) as dyes for luminescent solar collectors

Ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) complexes of 2,2′-bipyridyls (bipy) and 1,10-phenanthrolines (phen) are identified as feasible dyes for use in luminescent solar collectors. Twenty-seven RuII(bipy)32+ complexes are prepared and the absorption and emission spectra of their solutions in EtOH–MeOH at room temperature are reported. Quantum efficiencies, Which are sensitive to oxygen quenching, vary between 0.002 and 0.306 depending upon substituents. The effect of the medium on the spectral properties of selected compounds has also been investigated. Measured quantum yields of non-aqueous solutions are higher than those for aqueous solutions but lower than for doped plastic films.