Used as a photosensitive dye in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), this compound enhances light absorption and electron injection efficiency due to its extended conjugated system and azo linkage. The carboxylic acid groups anchor the molecule to semiconductor surfaces like TiO₂, while the azo group provides reversible photoisomerization, useful in optical switching and data storage applications. It also serves as a chromophore in nonlinear optical materials and can be employed in the development of sensors and electrochromic devices.