An Insight Into Necessity of Complete Electrolyte for Photogalvanics and Contribution of Thermal and Photo-Processes in Solar Power Generation Through the Photo-Galvanic Cells

Abstract

Photo-galvanic cells operate through photo-induced processes occurring in the electrolyte. Reported work has focused mainly on the electrochemical properties of complete electrolyte without any insight of the necessity of complete electrolyte and contribution of thermal processes and individual electrolyte components towards the electrical output. Therefore, in present research, the electrochemical properties of complete electrolyte and its individual chemical components (Amido black 10 B, Iso-amyl alcohol, H₃PO₄, KOH) have been investigated. It is observed that each chemical individually has some inherent electrical properties (zero or non-zero potential/current) due to thermal processes. Photo-illuminated complete electrolyte shows 13,750 μA current and 855 mV potential as a result of photogalvanics. In illuminated conditions, the role of thermal process in current/potential generation of about maximum possible 3715 μA/347 mV cannot be denied. Therefore, the rest current/potential generation, i.e., ~10,000 μA/500 mV may be attributed to photo-induced processes in the complete electrolyte. Thus, on the basis of these observations, it may be concluded that the reductant or sensitizer or alkali or surfactant individually shows only thermal-induced potential and current. But, the complete electrolyte is able to show photogalvanics (i.e., conversion of solar energy into electrical energy) in the presence of the sunlight. In photogalvanics, the obtained current and potential may be attributed to combined effect of thermal and photo-processes. Hence, it may be concluded that use of complete electrolyte in photo-galvanic cells is a necessary condition for harvesting solar energy commercially through photogalvanics. Photogalvanic cells based on complete electrolyte only may be of industrial relevance.