Studies of the micellar effect on photogalvanics: Solar energy conversion and storage-EDTA-safranine O-DSS system

Abstract

SUMMARYThe studies of the micellar effect on photogalvanics was done for solar energy conversion and storage in photogalvanic cell containing dioctyl sodium sulphosuccinate as anionic micellar species, EDTA as reductant and safranine O as photosensitizer. The photopotential and photocurrent generated were 800.0 mV and 65.0 mA respectively. The observed conversion efficiency was 0.2532 per cent, the fill factor was 0.38 and the maximum power of the cell was 52.0 mW whereas the power at power point of the photogalvanic cell was 26.34 mW. The rate of initial generation of current was 37.5 mA min À1 . The photogalvanic cell can be used for 80.0 minutes in the dark. The effects of different parameters on the electrical output of the photogalvanic cell were observed and a mechanism has also been proposed for the generation of photocurrent in the photogalvanic cell.

Photogalvanic cells: only solar cells having dual role of solar power generation and storage

“…Most of the recent study has focused on very simple fabrication of photogalvanic cell. The experimental setup of cell consists of a digital pH meter (for measuring potential), glass tube of H shape, natural sunlight, microammeter (for measuring current), resistance variation device, Pt electrode (as negative terminal), and SCE (as positive terminal) . The solutions of photosensitizer, reductant, surfactant (if used), and sodium hydroxide are filled in H‐shaped glass tube having electrodes (Figure ).…”

“…Similarly, the demonstrated simultaneous conversion and storage of solar energy by using an aqueous lithium‐iodine (Li‐I) SFB is just a beginning. Whereas, the published work on PG shows their established potential for inherent solar power storage along with efficient solar energy conversion …”

“…There is a need to develop a solar battery which has inherent power storage. It is in this context those only solar cells is PG which converts sunlight into solar power and also stores it in sunlight, and discharge that in dark later on …”

“…Like PV and other solar cells, the PG is also a promising technique for solar power generation (and storage as well) in solar spectrum including most convenient spectral region consisting of 400–800 nm (i.e., Visible region). PG technique promises to be a cheap alternative as it has inherent storage capacity and uses very dilute solutions of cheap chemicals such as photo sensitizer, reductant, NaOH, and surfactant (if used) …”

“…The earlier researcher emphasized more on thionine dye sensitizer with Fe 2+ as reducing agent. Later on, the researcher started using other dyes with organic reductant. The use of new dyes with organic reductant has led to the tremendous enhancement in cell performance .…”