PHOTOVOLTAIC PROPERTIES OF AZO-COMPOUNDS CONTAINING THE THIAZOLE GROUP

Thiazole-containing azo compounds were synthesized and their photovolt aic properties investigated using a sandwich cell with Al and Ag elect rodes. Rectification characteristics were observed in dark current and photocurrent for all compounds. The action spectrum of the photocurre nt shows an antibatic correlation with the absorption spectrum for mos t of the compounds, except for two compounds which have a symbiotic co rrelation when illuminated through an Ag electrode. This difference be tween the action spectra is discussed in terms of the Hammett constant s of the electron-donating group in the azo compounds and the oxygen m olecules adsorbed on the surface. The effects of substituent groups on the photovoltaic output are also discussed.