title: Redox Active Compounds in Controlled Radical Polymerization and Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells: Mutual Solutions to Disparate Problems.
abstract: Controlled radical polymerization (CRP) and dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are two fields of research that at an initial glance appear to have little in common. However, despite their obvious differences, both in application and in scientific nature, a closer look reveals a striking similarity between many of the compounds widely used as control agents in radical polymerization and as redox couples in dye-sensitized solar cells. Herein, we review the various redox active compounds used and examine the characteristics that give them the ability to perform this dual function. In addition we explore the advances in the understanding of the structural features that enhance their activity in both CRP and DSSCs. It is hoped that such a comparison will be conducive to improving process performance in both fields.
authors.affiliation: POLYMAT and Departamento de Química Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Joxe Mari Korta Zentroa, Tolosa Hiribidea 72, Donostia-San Sebastián, 20018 (Spain). Nicholas.ballard@polymat.eu.
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ballard
authors.affiliation: POLYMAT and Departamento de Química Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Joxe Mari Korta Zentroa, Tolosa Hiribidea 72, Donostia-San Sebastián, 20018 (Spain).
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mecerreyes
authors.affiliation: POLYMAT and Departamento de Química Aplicada, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Joxe Mari Korta Zentroa, Tolosa Hiribidea 72, Donostia-San Sebastián, 20018 (Spain).
authors.forename: José M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Asua
keywords: cobalt; controlled radical polymerization; dye-sensitized solar cells; nitroxide; redox chemistry