Tropaeline-O-Alkali-Pt-Graphite based H-Shaped Photogalvanic Cells: Current-potential stability & Hysteresis curve for solar energy conversion and storage

Abstract Solar energy can be harnessed and converted into power using various methods such as photo-galvanic cells. In this research, authors have investigated photo-galvanic cells based on Tropaeline-O sensitizer, oxalic acid reductant, Benzalkonium chloride surfactant, NaOH alkali, Pt and graphite electrodes in the H-shaped cell design covered by black PVC electrical tape for realizing further enhanced and stable electrical output of the cell. Observed electrical parameters of the cell were as maximum potential 680 mV, open-circuit potential (Voc) 671 mV, maximum current 6500 µA, short-circuit current (isc) 1000 µA, and power 122.0 µW. The variation and stability of Voc and isc over time has also been studied after fully charging the cell and keeping illumination of the cell on. The value of Voc and isc has been found quite steady and stable for over a very long time, i.e., potential changes from 809 mV to 803 mV in 485 minutes, from 809 mV to 700 mV in 1448 minutes, and current changes from 1100 µA to 900 µA over 420 minutes. The forward direction curve and backward direction curve (current–potential) almost superimposes on each other giving almost negligible area of the hysteresis loop showing quite good stability (current-potential) of photogalvanic system.