Photogalvanic effect in aqueous Methylene blue nickel mesh systems: Conversion of light into electricity

Abstract

SUMMARYThe photogalvanic e!ect in electrochemical cells, employing aqueous Methylene blue and Fe(II)/Fe(III) couple electrolyte and nickel-mesh electrodes, were experimentally investigated. Five di!erent standard H-cell con"gurations were set-up by modifying the electrolyte. Long-term open-circuit voltage measurements were conducted in order to test the stability of the cells. Light on}o! reproducibility experiments were also carried out during lengthy cell operations. By comparing experimental quantum yield with theoretical predictions, it was found that the cells operate on di!erential electrode kinetics. Oxidation of the illuminated electrode was detected. This a!ected the current}voltage characteristics of the cells after a su$ciently long cell operation. Schottky junction treatment was used to model the electrolyte}electrode junction. After calculating the ratio between the majority carrier (electron) current density and minority carrier (hole) current density, we concluded that the oxidation of the electrodes contributes positively to the cell performance since the electrode}electrolyte interface shows unipolar Schottky diode characteristics.

The Role of Surfactants in Photogalvanics: Solar Energy Conversion and Storage in the Sodium Lauryl Sulphate–Thymol Blue–Mannose System

“…Memming [10] and Bhardwaj et al [11] proposed processes for solar energy conversion using photoelectrochemical and chloroplast photoelectrochemical cells, respectively. Bayer et al [12] and Gangotri and Meena [13] have observed the photogalvanic effect in aqueous methylene blue-nickel mesh and oxalic acid-methylene blue systems, respectively. The effect has also reported using heterocyclic dyes [14], rhodamine B-methylene blue and safranine with ascorbic acid as a reductant [15], and azine dye [16] as photosensitizer.…”

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

“…Later on, Murthy et al [5], Rohatgi Mukherjee et al [6], Folcher and Paris [7], Alfredo et al [8], Pan et al [9], Dube et al [10], Jana and Bhowmik [11], Bayer et al [12], Matsumoto et al [13] and Shiroishi et al [14] have studied some interesting photogalvanic systems. Bisquert et al [15] have reviewed the physical-chemical principles of dye-sensitized solar cells, whereas Meyer [16] has presented the molecular approaches to solar energy conversion.…”

Studies of mixed reductant systems with Azur A as photosensitizer for solar energy conversion and storage in photogalvanic cells

“…Later, many scientists have put their utmost efforts into solar energy conversion and storage in photogalvanic cells. Among these prominent researchers, Bayer et al (2001) have studied photogalvanic effect in an aqueous methylene blue nickel mesh system, and Olea et al (1990) have studied electron transfer via organic dyes for solar energy conversion. Eisenberg and Silverman (1961) and Mukhopadhyaya and Bhowmik (1992) have studied photoelectrochemical cells.…”