Thermoresponsive Host Polymer Matrix for Self-Healing Luminescent Solar Concentrators

Abstract

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are a promising solar energy technology for reducing architectural barriers to the integration of photovoltaic systems into the built environment. In this work, the first demonstration of thin-film LSCs based on a thermally reversible cross-linked host polymer is presented. This smart material is obtained via a dynamic-chemistry approach based on the Diels−Alder (DA) reaction between a furan-functionalized acrylic copolymer and an aliphatic bismaleimide to obtain optically clear, cross-linked systems capable of healing mechanical damage upon heat treatment. By carefully tuning the concentration of a perylene-based luminophore dopant, an optical efficiency as high as 4.9% can be achieved with this DA-based LSC. In addition, full recovery of device efficiency is demonstrated after complete thermal healing of mechanically induced surface damages as a result of the embedded DA functionality. The approach presented here paves the way to the development of highly efficient multifunctional thermoresponsive smart LSC systems.

Highly emissive fluorescent silica-based core/shell nanoparticles for efficient and stable luminescent solar concentrators

“…In the presence of a black absorbing background, a maximum ISC of 3.61 mA and a maximum output power of 0.86 mW were achieved, leading to a maximum ηdev,dark background of 0.24%. The lower overall device efficiencies of LR305-PDMS LSCs with respect to previously published LR305-based thin-film LSCs tested in analogous conditions (namely, in the presence of a black absorbing background and of a black mask in front of the LSC system, without employing any reflective element at the free edges of the waveguide) [15,83] could be attributed to the poor luminophore solubility of LR305 in PDMS host matrix. As documented in previous studies [68,71,72], dye aggregation issues are responsible for generating significant luminescence quenching, which may limit thin-film device performance at higher dye concentrations, resulting in LR305-PDMS LSCs being optimized for lower optical densities.…”

“…Similarly, a sufficiently long durability of LSC systems during operation also represents a key asset to prove the real commercial viability of this technology. In particular, two critical aspects directly affecting the lifetime of LSCs are the chemical and physical durability of the host matrix, and the photostability of the luminescent species, both addressed by designing intrinsically stable host materials [13][14][15][16][17][18] and luminophores [19][20][21][22][23][24].…”

Luminescent Solar Collectors: Quo Vadis?

“…A prototype doped with a perylene-based luminophore gave a η opt of 4.9% while it was shown that a damaged device undergoes full recovery of efficiency after complete thermal healing. [96]…”

The Hidden Potential of Luminescent Solar Concentrators

“…Triangular [77] and even circular [78] devices have been presented. Likewise, while polymers including polymethacrylate (PMMA) and polycarbonate or glass have been the main materials used for lightguides, alternatives exist, including renewable polyester, [79] self-healing materials, [80] and even liquid LSCs have been described, [81][82][83] which could have the advantage of rapid switching of the fluorophore. The employment of flexible materials as host matrixes, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), [84][85][86] can open a new range of applications such as boat sails, tents, phone cases, and self-powered flexible electronic devices.…”