Photo-stability of Chrysoidine ‘R’ dye in the presence of Lactic acid-Cocamidopropylbetaine surfactant-NaOH: A spectral study

Abstract

The photo-galvanic cells are solar cell devices capable of harvesting solar energy with power storage. The dye photo-sensitizer material is the key constituent of these cells. Thus, the chemical stability of the dye material prominently affects the electrical output, durability and photo-stability of these cells. Therefore, in present research, the photo-stability of Chrysoidine-R dye material in both the non-illuminated and illuminated conditions has been studied spectroscopically to explore it in these cells. The photo-stability of Chrysoidine-R dye has been investigated in two conditions, (i) aqueous dye solution; and (ii) electrolyte (i.e., Chrysoidine-R dye photo-sensitizer, Lactic acid reductant, Cocamidopropyl betaine surfactant, NaOH alkali, and water). The study has been done to have insight into effect of electrolyte on the photo-stability and light absorption property of Chrysoidine-R dye.

The observed data shows that absorbance of the Chrysoidine-R dye increases over two days’ illumination and it decreases after two days’ continuous illumination. Initial rise in the absorbance may be attributed to sunlight induced augmentation in the dye polarity. The downfall in absorbance after two days’ illumination may be attributed to the photo-induced dye decay occurring in the electrolyte as a result of long exposure of dye molecules to sunlight. The spectral study shows that Chrysoidine-R dye is quite less photo-stable in individual state as well as in the presence of electrolyte materials. Therefore, under the present experimental conditions, the Chrysoidine-R dye is not a suitable sensitizer material for use in sustainable photogalvanics.