Mixture of dye sensitizer containing a [tris-{1,2-bis-(3,5-dimetoksi-fenil)-1,2-etilenoditiolenik-S,S’} tungsten] (MTDT) and ruthenium 535 bis-TBA (also known as "N719" or "dye salt") in acetone exhibits a dark blue color solution. The MTDT compound which showed a photocatalytic property was obtained using a patented synthetic process and the N719 dye was bought from Solaronik. Mixtures of MTDT and the commercial dyes were subjected to a photo-stability study by illuminating a water-acetone mixture (60:40 wt %) containing the dye sensitizers with a 300-watt xenon lamp at various periods of time at a constant pH. The UV/Vis absorption electronic spectrum of the dye sensitizers was recorded by using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The photocurrent study was carried out similarly at a fixed period but at different pHs. Current changes during the illumination was monitored and recorded. The findings of both studies will be presented and evaluated for possibly of using the dye sensitizer for photocatalytic splitting of water molecules to produce hidrogen fuel.

Keywords: dithiolene, ruthenium, photocatalytic, sensitizer, photocurrent