Use of mixed dyes in a photogalvanic cell for solar energy conversion and storage: EDTA–thionine–azur-B system

The photogalvanic effect was studied in a photogalvanic cell containing ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid [EDTA] as reductant and thionine and azur-B as photosensitizers. The photopotential and photocurrent generated were 745.0 mV and 76.0 μA, respectively. The observed conversion efficiency was 0.18% and the maximum output (power) of the cell was 56.62 μW. The photogalvanic cell can be used at this power level for 59.0 min in the dark due to the storage capacity of the cell. The effects of various parameters on the electrical output of the cell were observed. The mechanism of generation of the photocurrent in these photogalvanic cells has also been proposed.