Sensitization of an iron-thiazine photogalvanic cell to the blue: An improved match to the insolation spectrum

Sensitization of a totally illuminated thin layer (TI-TL) photogalvanic cell based on the iron-thiazine photoredox reaction has been demonstrated by both current action spectra and enhanced white light output. Singlet sensitization of thionine (λ_max = 601 nm) and of methylene blue (λ_max = 660 nm) to wavelengths below 400 nm has been achieved. Photogalvanic output has been obtained upon illumination of a single solution containing two photoredex dyes and three sensitizers with monochromatic light throughout the wavelength range 375–700 nm. Sensitization with rhodamine 6 G considerably enhances cell output under illumination with white light. With some sensitizers, however, white light output is inhibited.