In this work, three new quinacridone-based dyes containing a furan moiety (QA1–3) have been synthesized through simple synthetic routes for the application of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Their absorption spectra, electrochemical, photovoltaic properties and the cell long-term stability have been extensively investigated. Electrochemical measurement data indicates that the tuning of the HOMO and LUMO energy levels can be conveniently realized by alternating the donor moiety. The theoretical calculations show that the dihedral angle between the quinacridone moiety and the furan ring is less than 1 degree, indicating excellent planarity between the two groups, which is beneficial for intramolecular charge transfer. All of these dyes performed as sensitizers for DSSCs tested under similar AM 1.5 experimental conditions, and a maximum solar energy to electricity conversion efficiency of 7.70% (J_sc = 13.25 mA cm⁻², V_oc = 804 mV, FF = 0.73) for the 20 mM chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) co-adsorbed DSSCs based on QA1 is obtained. Electrochemical impedance experiments indicate that the electron lifetime is improved by co-adsorption of CDCA, accounting for the significant improvement of V_oc. Most importantly, the long-term stability of the QA1–3-based DSSCs with ionic-liquid electrolytes under 1000 h light-soaking has been demonstrated.

A new functional glycosyl peptidomimetic, featuring a C-glucosyl 1,4-dimethoxynaphthalene backbone in conjugation with two triazolyl phenylalanine moieties on its adjacent C3,4-positions, was readily synthesized via click chemistry. Primary optical measurements indicated that the fluorescence of the ester form of this probe (4) could be selectively quenched by Pb²⁺. In contrast, the fluorescence intensity of its analog 5 with released carboxylic groups was uniquely diminished by Cu²⁺ with remarkably enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. Moreover, subsequent addition of cyanide to the methanol solution of the resulting Cu²⁺-5 complex induced its fluorescence recovery with a nanomolar detection limit, which was two orders of magnitude smaller than the regulated concentration limit of CN⁻ in drinking water. This suggests the promising applicability of C-glycosyl bis-triazolyl amino acid scaffold in the future design and exploration of sensitive “off–on” Cu(II)-cyanide chemosensors.