Dye Sensitized Photogalvanic Solar Cells: Studies in a Methyl Green-NaLS System in View of Energy Conversion

The performance of dye-sensitized photogalvanic cells for the direct conversion of solar energy to electrical energy was studied with use of a new dye methyl green. The photogalvanic effect has been studied in a system containing methyl green as the photosensitizer (dye) and DTPA as the reducing agent in the presence of sodium lauryl sulphate. The effect of various parameters on electrical output of the cell, such as effect of the dye, reductant and surfactant concentration, light intensity, temperature, diffusion length, and electrode area, were observed. The photogalvanic performances (experimental conversion efficiency, fill factor, storage capacity) of this cell have also been determined. The photopotential and photocurrent generated by this system were 815 mV and 310 μA, respectively. This photogalvanic cell can be used for 55 min in the dark. A mechanism of the photocurrent generation is discussed and the role of electro active species are also discussed.