Solar spectral conversion based on plastic films of lanthanide-doped ionosilicas for photovoltaics:Down-shifting layers and luminescent solar concentrators

The mismatch between the photovoltaic(PV)cells absorption and the solar irradiance on earth is one of the major limitations towards more efficient PV energy conversion.This aspect was addressed by downshifting the solar irradiance on Earth through luminescent down-shifting layers based on lanthanidedoped surface-functionalized ionosilicas(ISs)embedded in poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA)coated on the surface of commercial Si-based PV cells.The IS-PMMA hybrid materials exhibit efficient solar radiation harvesting(spectral overlap of^9.5×10^19 photons/(s·m2))and conversion(quantum yield^52%).The direct solar radiation and the down-shifted radiation are partially guided and lost through total internal reflection to the layer edges being unavailable for PV conversion of the coated PV cell.By tuning the down-shifting layer thickness,it also acts as luminescent solar concentrator enabling the collection of the guided radiation by flexible PV cells applied on the borders of the down-shifting layer leading to an enhancement of the PV energy conversion from^5%(in the case of the single-use of the luminescent down-shifting layer)to^13%comparing with the bare PV cell.The overall electrical output of the device resulted in an absolute external quantum efficiency increase of^32%for the optimized Eu^3+-based films in the UV spectral region(compared with the bare PV device,which is among the best values reported so far).

Exciton recycling via InP quantum dot funnels for luminescent solar concentrators

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSC) absorb large-area solar radiation and guide down-converted emission to solar cells for electricity production. Quantum dots (QDs) have been widely engineered at device and quantum dot levels for LSCs. Here, we demonstrate cascaded energy transfer and exciton recycling at nanoassembly level for LSCs. The graded structure composed of different sized toxic-heavy-metal-free InP/ZnS core/shell QDs incorporated on copper doped InP QDs, facilitating exciton routing toward narrow band gap QDs at a high nonradiative energy transfer efficiency of 66%. At the final stage of non-radiative energy transfer, the photogenerated holes make ultrafast electronic transitions to copper-induced mid-gap states for radiative recombination in the near-infrared. The exciton recycling facilitates a photoluminescence quantum yield increase of 34% and 61% in comparison with semi-graded and ungraded energy profiles, respectively. Thanks to the suppressed reabsorption and enhanced photoluminescence quantum yield, the graded LSC achieved an optical quantum efficiency of 22.2%. Hence, engineering at nanoassembly level combined with nonradiative energy transfer and exciton funneling offer promise for efficient solar energy harvesting.

Red-emitting tetraphenylethylene derivative with aggregation-induced enhanced emission for luminescent solar concentrators:A combined experimental and density functional theory study

This study examines the use of an aggregation-induced enhanced emission fluorophore(TPE-MRh)to prepare red-emitting luminescent solar concentrators(LSCs)based on poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA)and poly(cyclohexyl methacrylate)(PCMA).TPE-MRh is a tetraphenylethylene(TPE)derivative bearing two dimethylamino push groups and a 3-methyl-rhodanine pull moiety,with absorption maxima at around 500 nm and fluorescence peak at 700 nm that strongly increases in solid-state.TPE-MRh displays a typical crystallizationinduced enhanced emission that has been rationalized by modeling the compound behavior in solution and solid-state via density functional theory calculations with the inclusion of the environment.TPE-MRh dispersed into 5×5 cm2 polymer films with a thickness of 25±5μm has revealed a partial fluorescence quenching with fluorophore content.Quantum yields(QYs)below 10%for the 2 wt.%of doping have been addressed to the formation of less emissive micro-sized clusters of fluorophores.PMMA slabs with the same surface size but 3 mm of thickness and 200 ppm of TPE-MRh have provided QY of 36.5%thanks to the attenuation of the detrimental effects of fluorophore aggregation.This feature is reflected in the LSCs performance,with devices achieving the largest power collected by the photovoltaic cell.

Solid superacid catalysts promote high-performance carbon dots with narrow-band fluorescence emission for luminescence solar concentrators

Facile and efficient method for constructing carbon dots(CDs)with narrow full width at half maximum(FWHM)is a major challenge in the field,and researches on regulating the FWHM of CDs are also rare and scarce.In this work,we delved into the synthesis of CDs with narrow fluorescence emission FWHM(NFEF-CDs)in the m-phenylenediamine(m-PD)/ethanol system,utilizing solid superacid resin as cata-lyst with solvothermal method.The resulting NFEF-CDs exhibit a photoluminescent(PL)emission peak at 521 nm with a narrow FWHM of 41 nm,an absolute PL quantum yield(QY)of 80%,and display excitation-independent PL behavior.Through comprehensive characterization,we identified the protonation of edge amino on NFEF-CDs as the key factor in achieving the narrow FWHM.Subsequently,we validated the broad applicability of solid superacid resins as catalysts for synthesizing CDs with narrow FWHM in the m-PD/ethanol system.Finally,we utilized a self-leveling method to prepare NFEF-CDs film on the surface of poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA)substrate and investigated the solid-state fluorescence properties of NFEF-CDs as well as their performance as luminescence solar concentrator(LSC)for photovoltaic conver-sion.The results revealed that the as-prepared LSC exhibit an internal quantum efficiency(η_(int))of 42.39%and an optical efficiency(η_(opt))of 0.68%.These findings demonstrate the promising prospects of NFEF-CDs in the field of LSCs and provide a theoretical basis for their application in photovoltaic conversion.

Glass-compatible and self-powered temperature alarm system by temperature-responsive organic manganese halides via backward energy transfer process

A pioneering glass-compatible transparent temperature alarm system self-powered by luminescent solar concentrators(LSCs) is reported.Single green-emitted organic manganese halides(OMHs) of PEA_(2)MnBr_(2)I_(2),which has a unique temperature-dependent backward energy transfer process from selftrapped state to^(4)T_(1)energy level of Mn,is used for triggering the temperature alarm.The LSC with redemitted CsPbI_(3)perovskite-polymer composite films on the glass substrate is used for power supply.The spectrally separated nature between the green-emitted OMHs for temperature alarm and red-emitted CsPbI3in LSC for power supply allows for probing the signal light of temperature-responsive OMHs without the interference of LSCs,making it possible to calibrate the temperature visually just by a self-powered brightness detection circuit with LED indicators.Taking advantage of LSC without hot spot effects plaguing the solar cells,as-prepared temperature alarm system can operate well on both sunny and cloudy day.

Design and optimization of graphene quantum dot-based luminescent solar concentrator using Monte-Carlo simulation

The demand for green energy is growing these days as a result of the world energy crisis,as well as global warm-ing.Solar cells are in great interest due to the fact that solar energy can be easily converted to electricity,if the photovoltaic cell’s cost can be lowered.One of the methods to make low-cost energy is using Luminescent solar concentrators.They have the advantage of directly integrating solar cells to dense urban areas as well as skyscrapers.Different materials and waveguide sizes have been investigated for use in luminescent solar concen-trators.However,the optimized waveguide geometry and quantum dots concentrators have not been thoroughly studied.In this paper,we have simulated graphene quantum dots using density function theory.A Monte-Carlo ray-tracing simulation was developed to model our device.We have optimized the luminescent solar concentrator geometry by Monte-Carlo simulation.The optimization results show a 99%enhancement in the energy flux gain of the final device.Besides,we have calculated and analyzed the fate of all photons.

A perspective on the use of perovskite luminophores for solar windows

Perovskite(PRV)luminescent solar concentrators(LSCs)use PRV materials to concentrate and convert sunlight into electricity.LSCs are made up of a flat plate or sheet of glass or plastic that contains a layer of luminescent PRV material.When sunlight enters the LSC,the PRV material absorbs the light and emits it at a longer wavelength.This emitted light is then trapped inside the LSC by total internal reflection,and it travels to the edges of the plate where it is collected by photovoltaic(PV)solar cells(SCs).The use of PRV materials in LSCs offers several advantages over other materials.PRV materials are highly efficient at converting light into electricity.They are also flexible,low-cost,and easy to manufacture,making them a promising candidate for large-scale solar energy applications.However,PRV materials have some challenges preventing their adoption.They are sensitive to moisture or heat and can degrade quickly over time.This significantly limits their lifespan and stability.Research on PRV is mostly focused on making them more stable and durable,but finding ways to improve the manufacturing process to reduce costs and increase efficiency is also relevant.While the opportunities offered by PRV materials for the specific application to LCSs are certainly interesting,the challenges make the prospect of a commercial product very unlikely in the short term.

Smart luminescent solar concentrator as a BICPV window

Building integrated concentrating photovoltaic(BICPV)windows have attracted numerous studies in recent years.However,there is a tradeoff between the light transmittance and power generation efficiency in the design of BICPV window.In this paper,a smart luminescent solar concentrator(LSC)is introduced as the BICPV window.The proposed smart LSC system features on the combination of fluorescent dyes with thermochromic materials to enhance photoelectric conversion efficiency as well as form a dynamic response mechanism to ambient solar radiation and environmental temperature.In this study,a BICPV smart window system consists of the waveguide doped with organic dye Lumogen F Red-305(BASF)and the thermochromic hydrogel membrane has been developed.The research on analytic design parameters is executed through optical simulation by ray tracing technology along with outdoor comparative experiments.From simulations for a smart LSC of 100 mm×100 mm×3 mm with a bottom-mounted solar cell of 100 mm×10 mm,the optical effective concentration is found to be with the range of 1.23 to 1.31 when a highest gain of 1.26 in power over the bare solar cell is obtained from experiments.

Multispectral harvesting rare-earth oxysulphide based highly efficient transparent luminescent solar concentrator

Transparent luminescent solar concentrator(LSC)is extensively regarded as the most promising sunlight tapping device for its application in buildings integrated with photovoltaics(BIPV)or as solar window glass.Conventional LSCs doped with organic dyes suffered from high reabsorption losses with no transparency;whereas,recently reported heavy metal-doped quantum dots avoided such losses but possessed the risk of high toxicity and low ambient stability.Thus,luminophores with massive spectral shifts and co rdial relationships with the enviro nment are very much desirable.In this paper,we report the fabrication of PMMA based transparent LSC embedded with nanocrystals of environmental friendiness and multispectral harvesting gadolinium oxysulphide(Gd_(2)O_(2) S:Er,Yb)fluorophore.The Gd_(2)O_(2) S:Er,Yb nanofluorophore absorbs various excitation wavelengths ranging from UV to NIR and emits in the visible region offering huge Stoke’s and anti-Stoke’s shift concurrently.The non-existent reabsorption losses and overlapping maxima of Gd_(2)O_(2) S:Er,Yb nanofluorophore generated photon flux with solar cells’responsivity enhance the efficiency characteristics of the LSC waveguide.Performance analysis of LSC as a function of varying nanofluorophore dispersion ratio and changing edge width optimizes the fabrication process and exhibits high power conversion efficiency of-6,93%and optical efficiency of-8.57%.The LSC slab demonstrates high photostability under irradiation for prolonged hours without any dip in the emission characteristics.The Gd_(2)O_(2) S:Er,Yb nanofluorophore diffused LSC waveguide offering spectral tunability,cost-reduction,efficiency enhancement,and high concentration factor whilst being sustainable for long term use makes it a fascinating transparent solar window.

Energy-Transfer in CsPbBr_(3)Nanocrystals:Sensitization of Porphyrin Triplets

Sensitizing molecular triplets by colloidal nanocrystals via triplet energy transfer is important for applications such as upconversion or organic synthesis.Typically two step triplet energy transfer(TET)are included in these applications:firstly the triplet energy stored in nanocrystals are extracted into surface ligands,and then the ligands further transfer triplet energy into molecules in bulk solution.Here we report one-step TET application from CsPbBr_(3)perovskite nanocrystals(NCs)to surface-anchored metalloporphyrin derivative molecules(MP).Compared to conventional two-step TET,the one-step TET mechanism possess lower energy loss and higher TET efficiency which is more generally implementable.In this scheme,photoexcitation of CsPbBr_(3)NCs leads to the sensitization of MP ligands triplets which efficiently emit phosphorescence.The enhanced light absorption of MP ligands and down-shifted photon emission can be useful in devices such as luminescent solar concentrators.