Paradigm shift of functions of organic dyes and pigments

Abstract

Color plays an important role in adding value to textile products. Organic dyes and pigments have traditionally been used to color the textile world, in fact the word dyes is almost synonymous to textile. However, in the last two decades there has been a major shift of interest on organic dyes and pigments. These types of materials are now finding a lot of interest in opto-electronic device application like solar energy, solar cells, diodes etc. The main reason for the current shift of application of organic dyes and pigment is based on factors like cost, electronic property and most important is that the whole technology including processing and functioning is environmentally friendly. This work intent to give a review of some of organic dyes and pigments which have crossed over from coloring textile to become organic electronic materials. Some of the chemical modifications done to improve on optoelectronic properties will be briefly discussed.