Photochemical solar power and storage through photogalvanic cells: Comparing performance of dye materials

ABSTRACT

The comparative photogalvanic study of Fast Green FCF, Brilliant Cresyl Blue, and Rhodamine B dye photosensitizer systems with fructose as reductant has been done for finding relatively better dye photosensitizer for further improvement in electrical performance of photogalvanic cells. It has been observed that processes occurring during charging and discharging of the cells based on three dye systems are similar, and suggestive of similar mechanistic aspect of power generation and storage for three systems. The light-weight Rhodamine B dye-SCE of combination electrode–small-area Pt electrode based system has relatively better electrical performance, so suggested for future research. The conversion efficiencies for Fast Green FCF, Brilliant Cresyl Blue, and Rhodamine B systems are 0.41%, 0.49%, and 6.49%, respectively.

KEYWORDS:

• Energy conversion
• energy harvesting
• energy storage
• solar cells
• solar energy

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to department of chemistry, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

Funding

Dr. Urvashi Sharma is thankful to University Grants Commission, India, for providing her UGC-PDF fellowship for women (number PDFWM -2012-13-OB-RAJ-14027).

Additional information

Funding

Dr. Urvashi Sharma is thankful to University Grants Commission, India, for providing her UGC-PDF fellowship for women (number PDFWM -2012-13-OB-RAJ-14027).