Innovative Study on Photogalvanic Cell for Solar Energy Conversion and Storage Through Brilliant Cresyl Blue + Ascorbic Acid + Sodium Lauryl Sulphate

Introduction

The photochemical reactions are important content for the solar energy, such as water photolysis and photosynthesis. In addition to unsafe operations and a polluted environment, non-renewable energy sources have their own disadvantages. The Fossil fuels (kerosene, coal, wood, etc.) are getting closer to being entirely exhausted as a result of human consumption. Therefore, creating alternative sources is required. The most practical alternative energy source is solar energy cells. The solar cells that have undergone the most in-depth investigation are PG cells. The PG cells are relevant to the photochemical nature.Thestudied-on PG cell in use of different surfactant in PG cell ¹ for NaLS- Azur A- Glycerol (Gangotri, et al., 2003), Use about surfactant in PG cell ² for Tx-100- Azur C – Glycerol (Gunsaria and Hussain, 2004) and the role of EDTA – Azure A -SLS scientific path ³ about energy was studied (Gunsaria and Hussain, 2004).

Role of oxalic acid reductant and brilliant cresyl photosensitizers ⁴ for good results (Gunsaria et al., 2005) and same way about cationic micelles effect on PG cells ⁵ for cetyl pyridinium chloride (CPC) with congo reddye +Xylose system (Gunsaria et al., 2012) also in favour to better finding. The research on mixed photosensitizer with MB system⁶ for glycol-NALS system for solar power conversion and storage (Gangotri and Mohan, 2022). The ionic micelles effect (positive ions) on PG cell⁷ for CPC system (Gunsaria & Meena 2012) and CMC studies of different surfactant, CTAB, Tween etc.⁸ by scientific method to explore its potential in PG cell (Tiwari, et al., 2020).

PG cells as better cell in spinach extract⁹ of different artificial dye and natural dye (Koli, 2014), The better results consultable development ¹⁰ for generation of current (Stevenson K., 1981), Enhanced electrical output by mixed surfactant for solar cells: EDTA+ NaLS+CPC+Tween-80 system ¹¹ for TB photosensitizer (Meen et al., 2024), Use of oxalic acid as reductant and MB ¹² as photosensitizer (Gangotri and Meena 2001), Sustainable and green chemistry approach ¹³ for PG cell s (Genwa and Genwa 2008), Studied on PG cell with DSS, Tartrazine and EDTA ¹⁴ for conversion solar energy and storage (Jayshree and Mohan 2018), followed by study of PG cell for electrical output ¹⁵ as same way  by lauryl glucoside surfactant, Tartrazine photosensitizer and D-fructose reductant. (Jayshree et al., 2022).

A progressive study for a potential energy source using the photo-galvanic system D-Xylose+MB+Brij-35+NaLS (Lal and Gangotri, 2022) was conducted in light of recent innovative results about innovation better results ¹⁶ in PG cells. The results of this study were published in the “International journal of energy research” journal ¹⁷. EDTA-Alizarin cyanine green (ACG)-sodium stearate (SS) PG cell as an inventive study ¹⁸ in for better findings (Genwa and Prasad, 2023). A novel method for doing cutting-edge research on sustainable energy sources using a mixed surfactant system in an environmentally friendly setting. Pollution Science and Environment, (Lal and Gangotri, 2023) and reported results are published in “Environment science and pollution research” journal ¹⁹. Many surfactant-dye-reducing agents (SDR) have been used across the solar system, but none of those mentioned parties have given BCB+AA+SLS combination to any thought as an alternative way of enhancing electrical production. As a result, work on the current PG cell (BCB +AA+ SLS system) began.

Methodology 

Solution preparations

All of the experiment’s approaches, including sodium hydroxide, BCB, and AA, were made with distilled water (DW) in order to produce results that were relevant. In each series of tests, oxalic acid was employed to standardize the solution containing sodium hydroxide. All of these solutions were stored in brown-colored bottles for non-reactive form from radiation.

Scheme 1: Structure of BCB Click here to View Scheme

Scheme 2: Structure of Ascorbic Acid (AA) Click here to View Scheme

Scheme 3: Structure of SLS Click here to View Scheme

Methodology for set –up for BCB +AA+ SLS system

Experiment: The PG cell set-up consists of two electrodes, a digital pH metre, key of resistance, a carbon pot, and an ammeter. For improved electrical results, studies into the specially created H-shaped PG cell were conducted. During the experiment, the resistance key, micro-ammeter, 200 W electric lamp (which had a W filament), and both ends of the electrodes were connected to complete the solar circuit. The experiment’s light sources and radiation protection were set up using the water filter. The various solar parameters in a PG cell with a BCB+SLS+AA system was examined. The main effects of solar energy were examined by adjusting the PG cell’s various parameters. For the PG cell, distilled water, alkali, and a mixture of surfactant, reductant, and dye were combined in solution. The temperature in the system was 303 K, and the cell illumination time was 180.00 minutes during experimental process. The experimental setup (Fig.1) for BCB +AA+ SLS system is reported for better findings.

Figure 1: Methodology for PG cell Click here to View Figure

Results and Discussion

Variation about BCB concentration

The change of dye concentration for BCB +AA+ SLShas been investigated in the current study. The electrical results in the BCB +AA+ SLS system increase with an increase in BCB concentration, peaking at BCB X 10^-4 M, and then begin to decline. Due to the hydrophobic character of toluidine blue, which results in a lower nature of BCB for the absorption of light, the electrical output is comparably low (BCB X 10^-4 M). When BCB molecules are present in higher concentrations (BCB > 10^-4 M), a substantial number of them crowd the surface of the absorbent.  The best molecules are present when the BCB concentration is in the middle (BCB X 10^-4 M), allowing the electromagnetic source to collision to molecules closest to the electrode and trigger photochemical reactions. For BCB variation on the PG system, the Open circuit voltage (Voc), Isc, I_max,V_pp, i_pp,and P_pp are measured; the resulting values are 1124 mV, 220.0 mA, 240.0 mA, 624 mV, 100.0 mA, and 62.4 mW, respectively. In Table 1,6 and Figure 2-4, all outcomes that were observed are reported.

Table 1: Variation of BCB Concentration

Parameters	BCB Dye X 10-4 M concentration
	1.0	1.2	1.4	1.6	1.8
Vdark (mV)	723	714	887	703	682
Vmax (mV)	1142	1160	1176	1136	1113
Voc (mV)	1116	1108	1124	1096	1087
imax (µA)	210.0	220.0	240.0	220.0	200.0
isc or ieq (µA)	190.0	200.0	220.0	200.0	180.0
Vpp (mV)	585.0	570.0	624.0	574.0	596.0
ipp (µA)	80.2	98.0	100.0	90.0	80.4
Ppp (µW)	52.65	57.00	62.40	57.40	47.68

 

Figure 2: Variation of photopotential(PP), photocurrent(PC) and power Click here to View Figure

Figure 3: Photocurrent power (i-v) of modified PG cell. Click here to View Figure

Figure 4: Performance of the PG cell Click here to View Figure

Variation of SLS concentration

The PG cell with the BCB +AA+ SLS system tested the photo reactivity of SLS with electrical power.  It was found that if the concentration of SLS was increased, the result would rise until a particular point before falling after that. For photophysical processes on the surface, the solubilization of the molecules was reduced at lower SLS concentrations (surfactants X 10^-3 M). Higher surfactant concentrations (SLS >10^-3 M) may reduce the electron carrier because there are significantly more surfactant molecules available for photophysical reactions in hydrophobic contact. The considerable electrical output was recorded at a surfactant concentration of M X10^-3 M SLS, which is an intermediate range. The mixture of surfactants may produce better precipitation in PG cells than the precipitate from a single surfactant alone. Surfactant interaction at the micelles’ interface is to blame for this. For SLS variation on the PG system, the Open circuit voltage (Voc), Isc, I_max,V_pp, i_pp,and P_pp are measured; the resulting values are 1124 mV, 220.0 mA, 240.0 mA, 624 mV, 100.0 mA, and 62.4 mW, respectively. Table 2, 8 and Figure 2-4 present all of the outcomes that were observed for system. 

Table 2: Variation of SLS Concentration

Parameters	SLS X 10-3 M concentration
	0.4	0.6	0.8	1.0	1.2
Vdark (mV)	704	731	887	725	682
Vmax (mV)	1132	1151	1176	1155	1124
Voc (mV)	1078	1112	1124	1131	1066
imax (µA)	180.0	220.0	240.0	200.0	170.0
isc or ieq (µA)	160.0	200.0	220.0	180.0	150.0
Vpp (mV)	585.0	561.0	624.0	496.0	564.0
ipp (µA)	80.0	98.0	100.0	90.0	80.0
Ppp (µW)	46.80	56.10	62.40	49.60	45.10

 

Variation of AA concentration

The change of AA concentration for BCB +AA+ SLS system has been investigated in the current study. The observed results rise as AA concentration increases. When AA concentration is increased, the electrical output also progressively rises to a maximum value at AA X 10^-3 M before falling off in the BCB+SLS+AA system. Comparatively less amounts of reductant EDTA are available for electron donation to BCB to produce the ionic nature at lower concentrations of AA.  The quantity of AA molecules accessible for photophysical conversion to AA to create the cationic form, which inhibits the AA molecules, is larger at much higher concentrations of ethylene dimethyl tetraacetic acid (AA > 10^-3 M). The reductant concentration is an intermediate range where satisfactory results are obtained. This can be explained by the presence of the ideal number of reductant molecules, which open up advantageous paths for semi- or leuco-forms of dye BCB molecules. The results showed that the deep sleep mode consumed only 10 mA of current, which is often far less than the system’s current usage. For AA variation on the PG system, the Open circuit voltage (Voc), Isc, I_max,V_pp, i_pp,and P_pp are measured; the resulting values are 1124 mV, 220.0 mA, 240.0 mA, 624 mV, 100.0 mA, and 62.4 mW, respectively.  In Table 3,7 and Figure 2-4, all outcomes that were observed are provided.

Table 3: Variation of Reductant Concentration (Ascorbic acid)

Parameters	Ascorbic acid X 10-3 M concentration
	0.2	0.4	0.6	0.8	1.0
Vdark (mV)	703	729	887	713	698
Vmax (mV)	1151	1169	1176	1160	1146
Voc (mV)	1101	1109	1124	1118	1088
imax (µA)	200.0	220.0	240.0	220.0	210.0
isc or ieq (µA)	180.0	200.0	220.0	200.0	190.0
Vpp (mV)	616.0	532.0	624.0	515.0	628.0
ipp (µA)	80.0	98.0	100.0	90.0	80.0
Ppp (µW)	49.28	53.20	62.40	51.50	50.24

 

Variation of pH range

In the current investigation, the concentration of hydrogen ions was recorded. As the basic nature (pH) increased, the current parameters were also gradually increased and reached an optimum value of a certain pH scale (pH=13.30), after which the BCB +AA+ SLS system decreased. Poor results are observed on a pH range between 12.64 and higher (pH > 13.30). In contrast, better outcomes are observed at the intermediate range (pH = 13.30).  This is because dye molecules (BCB) have a nature that makes them superior for photochemical processes. For pH variation on the PG system, the Open circuit voltage (Voc), Isc, I_max,V_pp, i_pp,and P_pp are measured; the resulting values are 1124 mV, 220.0 mA, 240.0 mA, 624 mV, 100.0 mA, and 62.4 mW, respectively. The pH variation in the BCB+SLS+AA system is shown in Table 4 and 9.

Table 4: Variation of NaOH Concentration (pH)

Parameters	pH of Solution
	13.24	13.27	13.30	13.33	13.26
Vdark (mV)	729	706	887	717	732
Vmax (mV)	1132	1162	1176	1148	1143
Voc (mV)	1078	1114	1124	1109	1097
imax (µA)	140.0	200.0	240.0	220.0	200.0
isc or ieq (µA)	120.0	170.0	220.0	200.0	190.0
Vpp (mV)	575.0	593.0	624.0	535.0	520.0
ipp (µA)	60.0	80.0	100.0	90.0	80.90
Ppp (µW)	34.50	47.44	62.40	53.50	52.00

 

Table 5: Pt electrode size (Length X Width) in cm and Area

Parameters	pH of Solution
	0.3 x0.2 (0.06 cm2)	0.4 x0.2 (0.08 cm2)	0.4 x0.3 (0.12 cm2)	0.5 x0.3 (0.15 cm2)	1.0 x1.0 (1.00 cm2)
Vdark (mV)	718	731	887	720	887
Vmax (mV)	1148	1115	1176	1136	1176
Voc (mV)	1101	1078	1124	1091	1124
imax (µA)	150.0	200.0	240.0	200.0	240.0
isc or ieq (µA)	14.50	185.0	220.0	195.0	220.0
Vpp (mV)	595.0	500.0	624.0	531.0	624.0
ipp (µA)	80.0	90.0	100.0	90.0	80.0
Ppp (µW)	47.60	50.00	62.40	53.10	62.40

 

Table 6: Analysis of the Variation in the Chemical Composition of the BCB Photosensitizer

S. no.	0.001 M BCB (ml)	0.01 ML AA (ml)	0.01 SLS (ml)	1 M NaOH  (ml)	DDW (ml)	BCB X 10-4 M	AA X 10-3 M	SLS  X 10-3 M	NaOH   pH
1.	2.5	1.5	2.0	4.0	15.0	1.0	0.6	0.8	13.30
2.	3.0	1.5	2.0	4.0	14.5	1.2	0.6	0.8	13.30
3.	3.5	1.5	2.0	4.0	14.0	1.4	0.6	0.8	13.30
4.	4.0	1.5	2.0	4.0	13.5	1.6	0.6	0.8	13.30
5.	4.5	1.5	2.0	4.0	13.0	1.8	0.6	0.8	13.30

 

Table 7: Analysis of the Variation in the Chemical Composition of the L AA Reductant

Volume of Chemical Solution used						Resultant Concentration
S.no.	0.00 M BCB (ml)	0.01 M AA (ml)	0.01 SLS (ml)	1 M NaOH   (ml)	DDW (ml)	BCB X10-4 M	AA X10-3 M	SLS X10-3 M	NaOH pH
	3.5	1.5	2.0	4.0	15.0	1.4	0.2	0.8	13.30
	3.5	1.0	2.0	4.0	14.5	1.4	0.4	0.8	13.30
	3.5	1.5	2.0	4.0	14.0	1.4	0.6	0.8	13.30
	3.5	2.0	2.0	4.0	13.5	1.4	0.8	0.8	13.30
	3.5	2.5	2.0	4.0	13.0	1.4	1.0	0.8	13.30

Table 8: Examination of Modifications in the Chemical Make-Up of the Variation SLS Surfactant

Volume of Chemical Solution						Resultant Concentration
S.No.	0.001 M BCB (ml)	0.01M AA (ml)	0.01 SLS (ml)	1 M NaOH  (ml)	DDW (ml)	BCB X 10-4 M	AA X 10-3 M	SLS   X 10-3 M	NaOH   pH
	3.5	1.5	1.0	4.0	15.0	1.4	0.6	0.4	13.30
	3.5	1.5	1.5	4.0	14.5	1.4	0.6	0.6	13.30
	3.5	1.5	2.0	4.0	14.0	1.4	0.6	0.8	13.30
	3.5	1.5	2.5	4.0	13.5	1.4	0.6	1.0	13.30
	3.5	1.5	3.0	4.0	13.0	1.4	0.6	1.2	13.30

 

Table 9: Examination of alterations in the Chemical Make-Up of the Variation Cell: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

Volume of Chemical Solution used						Resultant Concentration
S.no.	0.001 M BCB (ml)	0.0 M AA (ml)	0.01 SLS (ml)	1 M NaOH (ml)	DDW (ml)	BCB X 10-4M	AA X 10-3 M	SLS X 10-3 M	NaoH   PH
	3.5	1.5	2.0	3.0	15.0	1.4	0.6	0.8	13.24
	3.5	1.5	2.0	3.5	14.5	1.4	0.6	0.8	13.27
	3.5	1.5	2.0	4.0	14.0	1.4	0.6	0.8	13.30
	3.5	1.5	2.0	4.5	13.5	1.4	0.6	0.8	13.33
	3.5	1.5	2.0	5.0	13.0	1.4	0.6	0.8	13.36

 

Variation of DL on the PG system

The cell was utilised for experiments with diffusion lengths (DL) ranging from particular PG cell path.  In the BCB+SLS+AA system, the electrical output of the PG cell was observed. The rate of photocurrent’s initial generation is accelerated by increasing diffusion length. At 45.00 mm, very positive results are attained, with values of photocurrent (220.0 mA) and equilibrium photocurrent (220.0 mA), respectively. The photocurrent is acquired in a corresponding way because dye molecules cannot absorb the light source at lower and higher diffusion lengths, respectively. For diffusion length variation on the PG system, the Open circuit voltage (Voc), Isc, I_max,V_pp, i_pp,and P_pp are measured; the resulting values are 1124 mV, 220.0 mA, 240.0 mA, 624 mV, 100.0 mA, and 62.4 mW, respectively.    

Variation of EA of the cell

The current characteristics of the PG cell were calculated using electrode areas (EA) ranging from 0.50 cm² to 2.10 cm². The study was conducted on the photocurrent and photocurrent for better results. For electrode area variation on the PG system, the Open circuit voltage (Voc), Isc, I_max,V_pp, i_pp,and P_pp are measured; the resulting values are 1124 mV, 220.0 mA, 240.0 mA, 624 mV, 100.0 mA, and 62.4 mW, respectively and recorded at 1.20 cm² of electrode area.

(i-V) characteristics of the PG cell

The fill-factor (FF) and power point (PP) were calculated (equ. 1):

Where:V_pp is value of potential, i_pp is current at power point, V_oc is open circuit voltage, i_sc is short circuit current

The FF of the circuit was calculated and the P_pp was obtained as 62.40 µW for the PG cell. Table 10 displays the observed results for the (i-V) characteristics of the PG cell for BY+NaLS+AA system. All observations of PG cell (Fig. 4) for BCB +AA+ SLS system is reported.

Table 10: Photocurrent power (i-v) of modified PG cell.

S.no.	Photocurrent (uA)	Photopotential (mV)	Power (uW)
	200.0	65	13.00
	180.0	173	31.14
	160.0	292	46.72
	140.0	393	55.02
	120.0	510	61.20
	100.0	624	62.40
	80.0	726	58.00
	60.0	847	50.82
	40.0	958	38.32
	20.0	1053	21.06

Cell performance and conversion efficiency (CE) of the PG system

In terms of t1/2, the calculated performance is shown in (Fig. 5), and the experimental value was 120.00 minutes in the dark. The CE of PG cells was found to be 1.236 percent (equ 3).

Where A is the cell’s electrode area, Vpp is the photopotential at the cell’s power point, and ipp is the photocurrent at the same point.

Effect of variation of light intensity

The light intensityabout the PG cell was calculated for electrode areas ranging from 3.1 mWcm^-2 to 26.0 mWcm^-2. The study was conducted on the maximum photocurrent (i_max in mA) and equilibrium photocurrent (i_eq in mA). at 10.4 mWcm^-2, very positive results are obtained, displays the observed results for the change in electrode area on the BCB+AA+ SLS system.

Mechanisms

The following chemical process manifests in a laboratory environment, showing the electrons movement of within circuit of the PG cell.

Illuminate Chamber

In the photophysical and photochemical reactions process (equation 4) the BCB molecules (Dye) capture quantum photons and are stimulated as follows. Excited BCB takes up electrons from reductants in the second stage (equation 5) and transmits its energy to a variety of other molecules.

PG cell reaction at Pt electrode

On the other hand, in the secondary reaction, semi- or leuco-form (equation 6) returns to its original form by giving the electron to an electrode.

PG cell reaction at dark Chamber

Equation 7 describes how the dye (BCB molecules) at the counter electrode absorbs the electrons from the counter electrode and transforms into a semi- or leuco-form of BCB as a result. Equation 8 shows that the photochemical cycle is ultimately finished when the BCB (leuco/semi-form) and the reducing agent unite to provide the original BCB and AA molecules.

Where: AA is ascorbic acid; AA+ is the oxidized form of reductant (ascorbic acid); BCB is brilliant cresy blue dye; BCB* is excited form of BCB; and BCB^– is semi or leuco form of brilliant cresy blue.

Conclusions

Novelty and Prospectus and Recommendation

The project’s main objectives were to reduce the price of PG cells while simultaneously enhancing electrical performance. The objective has been attained by taking into account the BCB+SLS+AA system’s good amount of storage capacity. The existing PG cells on the market may be replaced, and these efficient systems may be able to supply all of humanity’s electrical demands if the price and general efficiency are reduced to the necessary level.

Importance of work

We have discovered that the BCB +AA+ SLS system have enhanced the PG cell’s electrical output as well as its capacity to convert energy based on the findings of the observed experiments. The PG cells would be the best cell in terms of current specifications for solar energy conversion and power. The BY+NaLS+AA cell’s open circuit voltage is 1124 mV, compared to an earlier reported value of 690.00 mV (published work). The reported fill factors of BCB +AA+ SLS system is 0.2523.  While the good photocurrent in the EDTA+TB+NaLS PGS was recorded at 150.00 uA, the study published in 2022 already had particular values. In conclusion, the findings of the observed PG cell are higher than those of the PG system published in 2022. The BCB +AA+ SLS PG system, the Open circuit voltage (Voc), Isc, I_max,V_pp, i_pp,and P_pp are measured; the resulting values are 1124 mV, 220.0 mA, 240.0 mA, 624.0 mV, 100.0 mA, and 62.40 mW, respectively. Maximum photocurrent of 240.00 mA and equilibrium photocurrent of 220.00 mA were obtained were recorded at 1.20 cm² of electrode area, which are comparatively better electrical outputs in the BCB +AA+ SLS system. The effects will be used to create a PG cell with a larger electrical output than the results that have already been published (see references 6, 17, and 19).  If efficient systems are sufficiently advanced, they might take the place of the solar cells that are currently available on the market and have the ability to supply the necessary electricity for environmentally friendly growth.

Acknowledgement

All authors are thankful to H.O.D. Chemistry, University of Rajasthan (UOR), Jaipur, India for lab facility and Renu Kumari (Co-author) is thankful to her supervisor for research guidance.

Conflicts of Interest

Authors have no any conflict of interest.

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