Summary
The technology to harness solar power has been evolving continuously with a recent focus on simultaneous power storage as well. Photogalvanic (PG) cell is a promising technology for simultaneous solar power and storage. The nature of the sensitizer, reductant, surfactant, and electrodes are the key factor determining the efficiency, stability, and power storage capacity of the PG cells. The use of a more stable dye with good diffusivity and conductivity realized through the most suitable surfactant has evaded the attention of researchers. Therefore, in the present study, the photogalvanics of the stable Quinoline Yellow (QY) dye photosensitizer in the presence of the Dodecyltrimethyl Ammonium Bromide (DTAB) surfactant, and Cellobiose reductant at an elevated pH has been studied for solar energy conversion and storage. The entirely novel and new photogalvanic system has shown abruptly enhanced electrical performance of the PG cell as potential 900 mV, current 10 000 μA, and power 989 μW. Encouraging photogalvanics may be attributed primarily to the greater QY dye‐DTAB surfactant interaction enhanced dye solubility, stability, and diffusion through the electrolyte. Spectrometric and conductometric study of the electrolyte has validated good photostability and conductivity of the electrolyte solution. Based on published literature and observed facts, a most plausible mechanism for the photogeneration of the current and power storage capacity has also been proposed. The present research does not introduce any new mechanism for the photo‐generation of the current, but a new and novel cell fabrication design with greatly enhanced electrical output in comparison to that in earlier studies.
Novelty statement
The cationic Dodecyltrimethyl Ammonium Bromide surfactant and Quinoline Yellow (QY) anionic dye sensitizer has been exploited in the presence of Cellobiose reductant for enhanced dipole‐dipole interactions for further enhancing the photogalvanics. The hypsochromic and hypochromic shift of main band of QY in electrolyte may be attributed to the QY‐DTAB complex formation due to interaction between the anionic QY dye and cationic DTAB surfactant. The present study shows abruptly enhanced electrical output (potential 900 mV, current 10 000 μA, power 989 μW).