A histological/biological stain based device-chargeable in light for solar power generation and storage through photo-galvanic effect

Abstract

Solar energy can be harvested and stored through sunlight-chargeable photo-galvanic cell devices working through the photo-galvanic effect. The dye sensitizer is the main constituent of these cells responsible for absorbing sunlight. Water soluble dye sensitizers have been immensely exploited in these cells, whereas negligible consideration has been given to water-insoluble dye sensitizers. Present research explores the effect of water insoluble Oil Red O histological/biological dye (a lipophilic stain) on the photo-galvanic devices. Observed electrical output of photo-galvanic cell based on Oil Red O sensitizer-Sodium thiosulphate pentahydrate Reductant- Sulphamic acid Surfactant-alloy Electrode is as follows: power 2540.16 μW, maximum current 14.90 mA, short-circuit current 14.75 mA, dark potential 507 mV, maximum potential 795 mV, open circuit potential 790 mV, fill factor 0.76, conversion effeciency 14.18 %, and half-life time 45 min. The statistical analysis of estimation of theoretical effeciency, electrode potential of alloy working electrode, solubilizing importance of isopropyl alcohol solvent, solubility and degradation rate of the Oil Red O dye have also been investigated and discussed. The steady-state monitoring and statistical data of Oil Red O Dye-Sodium thiosulphate pentahydrate-Sulphamic acid-alloy electrode based photo-galvanic system reveals its effectiveness as a sustainable device for solar energy harvesting and storage.