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It is still a challenge to prepare the red‐emissive perovskite‐polymer composite with high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and reversible thermal photoluminescence (RTPL), which is key for improving the thermal tolerance of luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs). In this work, the red‐emissive (661 nm) CsPb(Br0.25I0.75)3‐PMMA composite with high PLQY of 85.96% and favorable RTPL below 160 °C is reported via a strategy of the defect passivation by halide ligand additives. The composite film possesses excellent long‐term stability in air, water, and high temperature environments. Then, a self‐powered temperature detection system, which consists of LSCs and a temperature detection module based on the RTPL composite film, is fabricated. On one hand, RTPL composite makes LSCs of superior thermal tolerance even after 100 cycles of temperature between room temperature and 160 °C. On the other hand, RTPL composite in the opaque box of the temperature detection module can give rise to the signal light without the interference of ambient light. As a result, the self‐powered temperature detection system achieves the quantitative temperature data display at different environment lights for 24 h in a day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article develops a Monte Carlo model to optimize a newly introduced tandem luminescent solar concentrator. This innovative structure comprises two parallel transparent polymeric waveguides separated by an air gap. The first waveguide, which is exposed to sunlight, contains fluorophores and performs as a traditional luminescent solar concentrator. In contrast, the second waveguide is equipped with an inner polarization volume grating layer, strategically placed to couple the emitted photons within the escape cone, directing them into the second waveguide and preventing reabsorption. The finite difference time domain method is employed to optimize the performance of this grating. The results show a significant improvement in external photon efficiency compared to the conventional luminescent solar concentrator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dots (CDs) are ideal fluorophores for optoelectronic devices. However, it is still a great challenge to obtain CDs with high solid‐state photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs). In this work, it is first reported that the barium‐doped CDs (Ba‐CDs), which can be simply synthesized on a large scale via a direct one‐step heating approach using an open vessel. The as‐synthesized Ba‐CDs exhibit ultrabright luminescence both in liquid and solid states. The as‐synthesized Ba‐CDs with a scale of 8.6 g per batch show a Stokes shift of ≈0.68 eV and high PLQYs of 80.8% and 66.8% in liquid and solid state, respectively. Interestingly, an efficient fluorescence enhancement phenomenon occurs when Ba‐CDs are mixed with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), which reveals the critical issue of compatibility between CDs and polymer matrix can be well resolved. As a proof‐of‐concept, the Ba‐CDs are employed as fluorophores for high‐efficiency luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) fabrication. The Ba‐CDs@PVP‐based LSC has a PLQY of 88.78%, showing a breakthrough optical conversion efficiency of 7.16% and power conversion efficiency of 6.87% under natural light irradiation (40 mW cm−2). The results demonstrate the potential application of the ultrabright Ba‐CDs in efficient photovoltaic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are complementary sunlight collectors for photovoltaics (PVs). Emissive fluorophores embedded in a transparent waveguide collect solar radiation over a large area and convert it into luminescence directed to the PV cells that frame the waveguide's edges. Among various fluorophores, perovskite nanocrystals (PNCs) show considerable potential for LSCs thanks to their wide size/composition/shape tunable broad absorption spectrum ranging from UV to near‐infrared, which significantly overlaps with the solar spectrum. They also feature high brightness with a photoluminescence quantum yield of up to 100% and ease of fabrication through wet chemistry approaches. In addition, PNCs can be engineered to minimize the absorption/emission overlap, which is the key to suppressing energy losses caused by reabsorption. Here, the structure and properties of PNCs and then correlate them with LSC performance is presented. The synthesis of PNCs using wet‐chemistry approaches and summarize the latest developments of PNCs‐based LSCs, categorized by the engineering strategies of PNCs and the design of the LSC configurations is critically reviewed. Finally, it is described major challenges and perspectives for future work, outlining the rational design, synthesis, PNC loading, surface engineering, and machine‐learning‐based tuning of PNC‐LSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 CsPbBr3 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 CsPbBr3 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum dot (QD)‐based luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) promise to revolutionize solar energy technology by replacing building materials with energy‐harvesting devices. However, QDs degrade under air, limiting the long‐term performance of QD‐LSCs. This study introduces an innovative approach to prevent QDs degradation by utilizing a photoactive polymer matrix (maleic anhydride‐grafted poly(styrene‐b‐ethylene‐co‐butylene‐b‐styrene, SEBS‐g‐MA). This strategy has been tested outdoors over a 2‐year period on five LSCs, followed by characterization of the weathered devices. The tested LSCs consist of three QD‐LSCs (CuInS2/ZnS, InP/ZnSe/ZnS, CdSe/CdS/ZnS core/shell QDs), alongside a Lumogen dye‐based LSC and a luminophore‐free LSC. The study yields several findings: 1) SEBS‐g‐MA undergoes photochemistry outdoors, 2) SEBS‐g‐MA accelerates the photodegradation of Lumogen, 3) the power conversion efficiency of CdSe‐based QD‐LSC drops by 80% due to reduction of the photoluminescence quantum yield, and 4) under illumination SEBS‐g‐MA protects CuInS2 and InP‐based QDs from degradation, ensuring a stable performance during the entire study. This work thus demonstrates for the first time that the interaction between the luminophores and the matrix is a critical determinant of the long‐term success of LSCs. Leveraging on the fact that this is the longest outdoor study to date, we propose design rules for highly efficient and stable QD‐LSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing prevalence of Internet of Things (IoT) devices hinges on resolving the challenge of powering sensors and transmitters. Addressing this, supply‐less IoT devices are gaining traction by integrating energy harvesters. This study introduces a temperature sensor devoid of external power sources, achieved through a novel luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) device based on a stretchable, adhesive elastomer. Leveraging a lanthanide‐doped styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene matrix, the LSC yielded 0.09% device efficiency. The resultant temperature sensor exhibits a thermal sensitivity of 2.1%°C−1 and a 0.06 °C temperature uncertainty, autonomously transmitting real‐time data to a server for user visualization via smartphones. Additionally, the integration of LED‐based lighting enables functionality in low‐light conditions, ensuring 24 h cycle operation and the possibility of having four distinct thermometric parameters without changing the device configuration, stating remarkable robustness and reliability of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new chromophores based on difluoroborondipyrromethene dyes (Bodipy‐1, Bodipy‐2, and Bodipy‐3) are used as precursors to prepare luminescent solar concentrators (LSC) based on poly‐acrylate, following a thermally activated polymerization involving lauryl methacrylate as monomer, ethyl glycol dimethacrylate as cross‐linking agent, and lauroyl peroxide as initiator. The new dyes exhibit typical BODIPY absorption and emission properties in dichloromethane fluid solution, assigned to the lower‐lying singlet π–π∗ level, which in the case of Bodipy‐2 and Bodipy‐3, both containing diamino‐substituted styryl subunits in their structure, has a strong charge transfer contribution. The LSCs obtained starting from each of the three Bodipys are interfaced to silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells, and the PV light‐to‐energy conversion efficiencies ηopt for the three systems are calculated. The results yield ηopt of 4.53% for LSC‐Bodipy‐1, 5.26% for LSC‐Bodipy‐2, and 8.23% for LSC‐Bodipy‐3. The optical efficiency for LSC‐Bodipy‐3 is a remarkable value among the LSC based on organic dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article develops a Monte Carlo model to optimize a newly introduced tandem luminescent solar concentrator. This innovative structure comprises two parallel transparent polymeric waveguides separated by an air gap. The first waveguide, which is exposed to sunlight, contains fluorophores and performs as a traditional luminescent solar concentrator. In contrast, the second waveguide is equipped with an inner polarization volume grating layer, strategically placed to couple the emitted photons within the escape cone, directing them into the second waveguide and preventing reabsorption. The finite difference time domain method is employed to optimize the performance of this grating. The results show a significant improvement in external photon efficiency compared to the conventional luminescent solar concentrator.

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are spectral conversion devices offering interesting opportunities for the integration of photovoltaics into the built environment and portable systems. The Förster‐resonance energy transfer (FRET) process can boost the optical response of LSCs by reducing energy losses typically associated to non‐radiative processes occurring within the device under operation. In this work, a new class of FRET‐based thin‐film LSC devices is presented, in which the synthetic versatility of linear polyurethanes (PU) is exploited to control the photophysical properties and the device performance of the resulting LSCs. A series of luminescent linear PUs are synthesized in the presence of two novel bis‐hydroxyl‐functionalized luminophores of suitable optical properties, used as chain extenders during the step‐growth polyaddition reaction for the formation of the linear macromolecular network. By synthetically tuning their composition, the obtained luminescent PUs can achieve a high energy transfer efficiency (≈90%) between the covalently linked luminophores. The corresponding LSC devices exhibit excellent photonic response, with external and internal photon efficiencies as high as ≈4% and ≈37%, respectively. Furthermore, their optimized power conversion efficiency combined with their enhanced average visible‐light transmittance highlight their suitability for potential use as transparent solar energy devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CaF2: Eu3+ nanoparticles with different doping concentrations were prepared by a hydrothermal method. The surface of the prepared nanoparticles was modified by 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid. The structure, morphology, photoluminescence properties, and fluorescence dynamics are studied systemically. The functionalized nanoparticles have a broad excitation band in UV-vis area and high asymmetry radio. The luminescence of Eu3+ ions in CaF2 nanoparticles is improved by 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid bonded onto the surface of nanoparticles via the energy transfer process. The excited state lifetimes of functionalized nanoparticles are longer than those of un-functionalized nanoparticles. These kinds of materials have the potential to be applied in luminescent solar concentrators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The necessity to fulfil buildings energy demand with different energy sources leads to an increasing integration between building components and renewable energy sources. The development of new building‐integrated photovoltaics technologies requiring less silicon solar cells for active area is particularly interesting especially from a circular economy perspective. This research describes the design of five neutral color photovoltaic windows based on large area (0.61 m2) luminescent solar concentrators co‐developed by the University of Ferrara and Eni S.p.A. The windows are installed at the Eni "Renewable, New Energies and Material Science Research Centre" in Novara (Italy). The prototypes show a visible transmittance of 38.5%, exceeding that of commercially available semi‐transparent photovoltaic technologies. Moreover, the evaluation of the window colorimetric properties highlights a color rendering index equal to 93.0, thus ensuring an excellent illumination quality of the building indoor. The panel electrical performance is measured indoor, at the end of the assembly process, and onsite, showing a power production ranging from 1.2 to 2.8 W and an efficiency between 0.23% and 0.48% depending on the illumination condition and the background reflectivity. Although the generated power is limited, it is already sufficient to power stand‐alone small appliances and smart systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum-cutting luminescent solar concentrators (QC-LSCs) have great potential to serve as large-area solar windows. These QC nanocrystals can realize a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of as high as 200% with virtually zero self-absorption loss. Based on our previous work, we have constructed a Monte Carlo simulation model that is suitable to simulate the performance of the QC-LSCs, which can take into account the band-edge emissions and near-infrared emissions of the QC-materials. Under ideal PLQY conditions, CsPbClxBr3−x:Yb3+-based LSCs can reach 12% of the size-independent external quantum efficiency (ηext). Even if LSCs have a certain scattering factor, the CsPbClxBr3−x:Yb3+-based LSCs can still obtain an ηext exceeding 6% in the window size (>1 m2). The flux gain (FG) of the CsPbClxBr3−x:Yb3+-based LSC-PV system can reach 14 in the window size, which is a very encouraging result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the complex Eu (HFA)4TPP (HFA=Hexafluoroacetylacetone, TPP= tetraphenylphosphonium) with high photoluminescence quantum yield and improved stability is prepared. The steric effect on luminescence performance is revealed by studying the crystal structures and luminescence properties of Eu(HFA)4Na and Eu(HFA)4TPP complexes. On this basis, the luminescent films are obtained by incorporating Eu(HFA)4TPP complex with high loading content into polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix, which shows a visible-light excitation window (240~450 nm) and high photoluminescence quantum yield of 60. 54%. In addition, the luminescent solar concentrators (LSC) in Eu(HFA)4TPP/PMMA film conformation is prepared. The optical conversion efficiency contribution of Eu(HFA)4TPP/PMMA film to the LSC is 0. 95% in the case of the G=1. 87, holding promise in photovoltaic fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy sustainability and interconnectivity are the two main pillars on which cutting‐edge architecture is based and require the realization of energy and intelligent devices that can be fully integrated into buildings, capable of meeting stringent regulatory requirements and operating in real‐world conditions. Luminescent solar concentrators, particularly those based on near‐infrared emitting reabsorption‐free quantum dots, are considered good candidates for the realization of semi‐transparent photovoltaic glazing, but despite important advances in optical property engineering strategies, studies of finished devices suitable for real‐world operation are still lacking. In this paper, the first example of a fully assembled quantum dot luminescent solar concentrator‐based photovoltaic glazing is demonstrated that meets all international standards for photovoltaic and building elements. It is also shown that these devices are capable of functioning as efficient Visible Light Communication (VLC) receivers even under full sunlight, thus combining energy and wireless connectivity functions in a realistic solution for smart, sustainable buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The growing prevalence of Internet of Things (IoT) devices hinges on resolving the challenge of powering sensors and transmitters. Addressing this, supply‐less IoT devices are gaining traction by integrating energy harvesters. This study introduces a temperature sensor devoid of external power sources, achieved through a novel luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) device based on a stretchable, adhesive elastomer. Leveraging a lanthanide‐doped styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene matrix, the LSC yielded 0.09% device efficiency. The resultant temperature sensor exhibits a thermal sensitivity of 2.1%°C−1 and a 0.06 °C temperature uncertainty, autonomously transmitting real‐time data to a server for user visualization via smartphones. Additionally, the integration of LED‐based lighting enables functionality in low‐light conditions, ensuring 24 h cycle operation and the possibility of having four distinct thermometric parameters without changing the device configuration, stating remarkable robustness and reliability of the system.

Abstract Three new chromophores based on difluoroborondipyrromethene dyes (Bodipy‐1, Bodipy‐2, and Bodipy‐3) are used as precursors to prepare luminescent solar concentrators (LSC) based on poly‐acrylate, following a thermally activated polymerization involving lauryl methacrylate as monomer, ethyl glycol dimethacrylate as cross‐linking agent, and lauroyl peroxide as initiator. The new dyes exhibit typical BODIPY absorption and emission properties in dichloromethane fluid solution, assigned to the lower‐lying singlet π–π∗ level, which in the case of Bodipy‐2 and Bodipy‐3, both containing diamino‐substituted styryl subunits in their structure, has a strong charge transfer contribution. The LSCs obtained starting from each of the three Bodipys are interfaced to silicon photovoltaic (PV) cells, and the PV light‐to‐energy conversion efficiencies ηopt for the three systems are calculated. The results yield ηopt of 4.53% for LSC‐Bodipy‐1, 5.26% for LSC‐Bodipy‐2, and 8.23% for LSC‐Bodipy‐3. The optical efficiency for LSC‐Bodipy‐3 is a remarkable value among the LSC based on organic dyes.

Abstract Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is an emerging technology in the solar energy field. It involves using luminescent solar concentrators to convert traditional windows into energy generators by utilizing light harvesting and conversion materials. This study investigates the application of machine learning (ML) to advance the fundamental understanding of optical material design. By leveraging accessible photoluminescent measurements, ML models estimate optical properties, streamlining the process of developing novel materials, offering a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional methods, and facilitating the selection of competitive materials. Regression and clustering methods were used to estimate the optical conversion efficiency and power conversion efficiency. The regression models achieved a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 10%, which demonstrates accuracy within a 10% range of possible values. Both regression and clustering models showed high agreement, with a minimal MAE of 7%, highlighting the efficacy of ML in predicting optical properties of luminescent materials for BIPV.

The use of photovoltaics (PVs) and/or photo-thermal (PTs) as primary solar-energy solutions is limited by the low solar conversion of PVs due to the spectral mismatch between the incident radiation and/or the PV material. The PTs are curtailed by the limited absorbance and the low thermal conductivity of the working fluid. A possible solution is the use of luminophores able to perform luminescent down-shifting (LDS) conversion and to incorporate them in liquid or solid layers, which act as spectral beam splitters (SBSs). Dispersed in solid polymer layers, luminophores lead to luminescent solar concentrators (LSC). When dispersed in liquid and placed in front of PVs, luminophores act as working fluids and as SBS, leading to hybrid photovoltaic–photo-thermal (PVT) systems. Here, the SBS filters for PV and PVT systems are reviewed. The contribution of luminophores to electrical and thermal energy production is discussed from theoretical, experimental, and economical perspectives. Recent SBS architectural concepts which combine different optical elements are also considered. These architectures can harness the advantageous properties of LSCs, spectral modulators, and hybridisation in a single structure. By combining these different light-management strategies inside of a single structure, an improvement in the electrical and/or thermal energy production can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum-cutting luminescent solar concentrators (QC-LSCs) have great potential to serve as large-area solar windows. These QC nanocrystals can realize a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of as high as 200% with virtually zero self-absorption loss. Based on our previous work, we have constructed a Monte Carlo simulation model that is suitable to simulate the performance of the QC-LSCs, which can take into account the band-edge emissions and near-infrared emissions of the QC-materials. Under ideal PLQY conditions, CsPbClxBr3−x:Yb3+-based LSCs can reach 12% of the size-independent external quantum efficiency (ηext). Even if LSCs have a certain scattering factor, the CsPbClxBr3−x:Yb3+-based LSCs can still obtain an ηext exceeding 6% in the window size (>1 m2). The flux gain (FG) of the CsPbClxBr3−x:Yb3+-based LSC-PV system can reach 14 in the window size, which is a very encouraging result.

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) have become an attractive way to produce green energy via their integration into buildings as photovoltaic windows. Recently, carbon quantum dots (C-QDs) have become the most studied luminescent material for the manufacture of luminescent solar concentrators due to their advantages, such as low toxicity, sustainability, and low cost. Despite the advantages of carbon quantum dots, they remain a low-efficiency material, and it is difficult to fabricate LSCs with a good performance. To address this problem, some of the research has used SiO2 nanoparticles (Nps) to produce a light-scattering effect that helps to improve the system performance. However, these studies are limited and have not been discussed in detail. In this regard, this research work was designed to evaluate the contribution of the scattering effect in different systems of carbon quantum dots used in a possible luminescent solar concentrator. To carry out this study, C-QDs and SiO2 Nps were synthesized by hydrothermal methods and the Stober method, respectively. We used different concentrations of both materials to fabricate film LSCs (10 × 10 cm2). The results show that the light scattered by the SiO2 Nps has a double contribution, in terms of light redirected towards the edges of the window and as a secondary source of excitation for the C-QDs; thus, an improvement in the performance of the LSC is achieved. The best improvement in photoluminescence is achieved when the films are composed of 20% wt carbon quantum dots and 10% wt SiO2 Nps, reaching a gain of 16% of the intensity of the light incident on the edges of the window with respect to the LSCs where only C-QDs were used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A luminescent solar concentrator (LSC), an optically transparent slab with high refractive index, infused with emissive luminophores, absorbs, re-emits and concentrates solar energy to the edges of a waveguide. This work aims to develop an efficient Monte-Carlo Ray-tracking algorithm to track the photon's excursion in LSC. The efficiency largely depends upon the optical properties of both luminophores and the slab waveguides. Two frameworks contribute here: (i) luminophores' optimal optical properties and (ii) design of the waveguide. Three colloidal QD-based systems (AgInS2/ZnS, ClSeS/ZnS and CuInS2) are employed and the ClSeS/ZnS QD-based LSC demonstrates the highest efficiency of 12.5% at a concentration of 200 ppm. Interestingly, a multi-QD approach in a single LSC device yields 17.2% efficiency which is 27.3% improvement over single QDs. By adjusting the luminophore emission angle from 45° to 90° the efficiency enhances by 2%. Future applications of the work include ecofriendly, sustainable renewable energy sources with long-term stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel approach to creating a multifunctional smart window that combines electricity generation with transparency modulation is developed. The proposed smart window is based on a mechanoresponsive luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) composed of organic fluorophores (coumarin 6) impregnated into a compressible polymer matrix (polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS) that is surface‐modified on one side. In its initial state, the LSC is optically transparent but becomes increasingly opaque upon the application of compressive strain to the PDMS matrix, resulting in a higher optical shielding property and eventually becoming translucent. The smart window's degree of specular transmission can be reversibly adjusted between 20% and 84%, making it suitable for use as a switchable privacy window. Additionally, the LSC‐photovoltaic (PV) window maintains a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) even when in a translucent state with the privacy function enabled. Under AM1.5G solar irradiation (1 sun, 100 mW cm2), the LSC‐PV module achieves PCEs of 1.05–1.48% and optical efficiencies (ηopt) of 8.6–12.0%, depending on the strain. This technology holds significant promise for building‐integrated photovoltaics and smart window applications, such as privacy‐protecting windows, daylight‐controlling windows, power‐generating antinoise barriers, and transparent solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greenhouses provide a controlled environment for plant growth, which increases crop yields, reduces the use of water and fertilizers, and offers resilience to droughts and extreme weather. However, greenhouse operation is energy intensive due to their heating and cooling loads. Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are promising for semitransparent greenhouse roofs that produce clean electricity, thus reducing the greenhouse energy demand, while also transmitting enough light to satisfy plant growth. Herein, we model the performance of LSC roofs designed as glass panels coated with quantum dot (QD)/polymer nanocomposite films and front‐facing surface‐mounted photovolatic cells. Five widely studied QD materials are examined to demonstrate that the proposed QD LSC roofs can have effective power conversion efficiencies exceeding 10% while also increasing the red‐light fraction, which is beneficial for plant growth. The effect of LSC integration on the greenhouse thermal energy demands is studied for the example of silicon (Si) QD LSC roofs. In warm climates, solar power generated by the Si QD LSC roofs satisfies the entire greenhouse energy demand and thus enables net‐zero energy operation. Overall, the results of the current research demonstrate the strong potential of integrating QD LSCs into greenhouses to reduce energy costs and enhance plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are capable of absorbing solar light over a large area, which subsequently converts light into luminescence at a red‐shifted wavelength and then redirects it to a smaller target to increase the per‐unit yield of photovoltaic devices. Among various LSC materials, perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have attracted great attention due to their adjustable band gap, multi‐exciton effect, and good stability. In this review, a brief introduction of LSCs, including their advances and principles, is given, followed by a summary of perovskite‐NCs‐based LSCs. The selected examples for component optimization of inorganic perovskite NCs are outlined after an introduction to the structure and properties of perovskite NCs. The absorption and/or emission peaks of all‐inorganic and inorganic–organic hybrid perovskite NCs can be efficiently regulated, which not only increases the Stokes shift but also improves the stability. Excellent performance and operability show a bright application prospect of perovskite NCs in the field of LSC applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three quantum dot luminescent solar concentrators (QDLSCs) are constructed to assess their performance in an outdoor environment over an entire year. The QDLSCs have a 45×50×1.2 cm3 PMMA‐Kraton‐PMMA sandwich structure with either InP/ZnSe/ZnS, CuInS2/ZnS, or CdSe/CdS/ZnS core/shell quantum dots incorporated in the Kraton interlayer. Furthermore, two reference LSCs are included: one using Lumogen F Red 305 as the luminophore and one without a luminophore in the Kraton layer. The power conversion efficiency is assessed for a cloudy and a sunny day, showing the influence of diffuse and direct irradiance. Moreover, the influence of mounting orientation and direct irradiance is analyzed for individual solar strips attached to the sides. Long‐term results show an efficiency increase of CuInS2/ZnS and InP/ZnSe/ZnS QDLSC while the CdSe/CdS/ZnS QDLSCs and the Lumogen LSC show a pronounced drop in efficiency in the first 3 months. Photodegradation studies under continuous white light exposure for 420 h are performed on smaller pieces cut from the QDLSCs before their assembly outdoors and show similar trends to those observed in the 1 year outdoor study. Future research will focus on the postmortem analysis of the QDLSCs and increasing the efficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon dots (CDs) hold great promise for effective alternatives to traditional luminescent materials in the field of luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) due to their low cost, eco-friendly and stability. How to improve the performance of CDs based LSCs is the research focus at present. Herein, a novel CDs/organosilicon composite (SiCDs) with tunable solid-state fluorescence and photoluminescence quantum yield from 21% to 56% is reported to cope with the limitation of aggregation-caused quenching of CDs on the performance improvement of LSCs. The emission redshift mechanism of SiCDs have been explored in detail. Furthermore, the UV absorption of SiCDs is in wide range and gradual increase in intensity as the emission red shifted from blue to orange. The SiCDs are further designed to construct a series of transparent single-layer and tandem LSCs with polydimethylsiloxane as waveguide material, and the tandem LSC based on blue and yellow emission SiCDs achieve a finally external optical efficiency of 7.10%. Carbon dot/organosilicon (SiCDs) composites with solid-state fluorescence from blue to orange were synthesized by simple solvothermal method. The emission and structure of SiCDs can be controlled just by varying the molar ratio of the ingredient. The SiCDs composites show good compatibility with the self-made polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and their loaded content can reach 15 wt% accompanied with negligible variation of emission wavelength and photoluminescence quantum yields. The SiCDs and PDMS are further applied to construct a series of transparent single-layer and tandem LSCs, in which the tandem LSCs based on blue and yellow emission SiCDs have a finally external optical efficiency of 7.10%. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colloidal indium phosphide (InP) quantum dots (QDs) have attracted a great attention for their excellent optical properties, and they are a promising candidate for potential applications in optoelectronic devices, such as photocatalysis, light emitting diodes, and bioimaging. However, their use for luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) has been limited owing to their low optical efficiency, which is because of the energy loss due to the strong overlap between their emission and absorption spectra. Here, we synthesized pyramidal InP/ZnSe QDs based on aminophosphine as the phosphorus precursor by adding hydrofluoric acid to remove the oxides on the InP core surface before the growth of a ZnSe shell. Through researching the exciton dynamic of InP/ZnSe QDs with different shell thicknesses, we found that a thick shell can stabilize the 1Pe energy state of the InP core, thus decreasing the spectral overlap in the overall QDs. As a proof of concept, we demonstrated a highly efficient LSC based on "giant" InP/ZnSe QDs, which exhibited an external optical efficiency of 2.5% and a power conversion efficiency of 2% (5 × 5 × 0.5 cm3) upon simulated sunlight illumination (100 mW/cm2), which is among the best reported LSCs based on InP QDs. Pyramidal "giant" InP/ZnSe QDs hold great potential for the breakthrough development in the field of eco-friendly QD-based LSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) provide a simple and cost‐effective strategy for harvesting sunlight. However, few existing LSC–solar cell systems possess power conversion efficiency (PCE) and remarkable color rendering capability simultaneously, which limits their application in building‐integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Herein, for the first time, novel LSC–solar cell systems fabricated by integrating LSCs with organic solar cells (OSCs), accompanied with efficient solar energy harvest and excellent color rendering, are reported. Three conjugated copolymers, PPF‐IF, PPF‐NIF, and PPF‐F are utilized as the luminophores to construct LSCs with ultrahigh color rendering indices (95.74), and the OSCs based on these systems present high PCEs (4.92%) under 1 sun conditions. With the decrease of the light intensity, the PCEs of the OSCs keep rising and reach a high value of 14.91% (11 mW cm−2). In contrast, the crystalline silicon (C–Si) cell‐based systems show low PCE values ranging from 1.90% to 2.47%, and especially, the PCEs are not highly correlated with the illumination intensity. These results indicate that the utilization of conjugated copolymers as luminophores can enable LSC to possess high efficiency and excellent color rendering ability, and the integration of OSCs with LSC is a very promising strategy for future practical applications in BIPV, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Similar to conventional photovoltaics, the path toward higher efficiencies for luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) shows increased interest in tandem structures. Herein, a numerical calculation that allows for much faster estimates of fundamental LSC performance indicators (power conversion efficiency, average visible transmission, and color‐rendering index) compared to ray trace simulations is proposed. Both double and triple structures are assessed, taking into account concentrations, absorption and emission spectra, and quantum yield as luminophore inputs for rectangular LSCs of any size. The waveguide material is modeled using an absorption spectrum and a refractive index. Interactions between the first, second, and/or third LSCs are incorporated into the algorithm. A comparison with ray trace results shows good correspondence. Supplementary Excel files are available with detailed calculations for future research or industry applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorescent concentrators (FCs) have been recently proposed as optical condensers for visible light communications (VLC) and optical wireless communication (OWC) receivers, with advantages over conventional optical stages in terms of optical gain and field of view (FoV). However, the use of FC‐based receivers in real‐world scenarios is hampered by the need for large resilience of the involved chromophores to sunlight exposure, and availability of large‐area FC substrates with suitable optochemical properties. This paper presents an innovative OWC system, based on a high‐power blue LED and a large‐area FC‐based on CuInS2 quantum dots (Q‐Dots) as receiving optical stage. A thorough characterization of the FC material in terms of conversion efficiency, temporal response, and FoV is provided, along with a full set of outdoor measurements. The combination of the Q‐Dots fluorophores chemico‐physical properties with the strong DC rejection granted by the design receiver stage allows error‐free VLC link distances up to 60 m and baud rates up to 1 Mb/s. This work represents the first demonstration of long‐range VLC links under strong solar irradiance using large‐area FC antennas and paves the way to deployment of long‐range free‐space optical links with minimal susceptibility to misalignments and pointing instabilities between receiver and transmitter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the remarkable advantages of luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs), their application has not been of interest in ultrahigh efficient photovoltaic modules such as multi‐junctions and related two‐terminal tandems due to challenging issues limiting the cell capability and impeding the output current. Here type of multi‐junction LSC photovoltaics is presented that consists of transfer‐printed arrays of InGaP/GaAs solar cells and strategically tailored luminescent waveguides. A coplanar waveguide with the non‐self‐aligned quantum dot luminophores enables simultaneous absorptions of the directly illuminated solar flux and the indirectly waveguided LSC flux, where cell deployment and luminophore spectrum are systematically tuned for balanced enhancement of the subcell photocurrents. Through systematic comparisons across various LSC configurations supported by both experimental and theoretical quantifications, the power conversion efficiency of flexible modules with InGaP/GaAs cell arrays is improved from 1.67% to 2.22% by the optimal LSC, where the module area is 14.4 times larger than the total cell area. The details of optical and mechanical studies provide a further comprehensive understanding of the suggested approach toward multi‐junction LSC photovoltaics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cesium manganese chloride (CsMnCl3) nanocrystals (NCs) have recently been recognized as potential lead-free perovskite candidates for red emission. To ascertain how the luminescence properties depend on the NC structures formed under different synthesis conditions, we synthesized CsMnCl3 NCs in two polymorphic structures, namely, cubic (c-CsMnCl3) and rhombohedral (r-CsMnCl3), by tuning the reaction temperature of a hot injection route. c-CsMnCl3 NCs are found to be nonemissive, whereas r-CsMnCl3 NCs exhibit red emission at 670 nm with a photoluminescence quantum yield of 40%. Density functional theory calculations reveal an indirect band gap for c-CsMnCl3the electronic transitions between valence and conduction band edges are prohibited by orbital symmetry and spin. Conversely, r-CsMnCl3 NCs possess a direct band gap. Further, transient absorption measurements suggest self-trapped exciton formation in r-CsMnCl3 NCs, which contributes to their emission characteristics. Our proof-of-concept demonstration of photocurrent generated from the emitting r-CsMnCl3 NCs indicates their suitability for luminescent solar concentrator applications. The findings of this work highlight the importance of understanding structure-luminescence relationship of emerging lead-free perovskites providing design criteria for red-emitting materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) have been extensively studied as they offer a practical solution to increase the efficiency of silicon-based photovoltaics (PVs). In this context, the use of natural and organic luminescent materials is desirable in order to obtain sustainable and environmentally friendly devices. Moreover, solution-processable organic host–guest systems based on Foerster Resonant Energy Transfer (FRET) processes offer the possibility to exploit a low-cost technique to obtain an efficient energy downshift from the UV–visible to red or deep red emissions in order to concentrate the radiation in the area of maximum efficiency of the PV device. Nevertheless, organic materials are subjected to photodegradation that reduces their optical properties when exposed to UV light and oxygen. In this work, we incorporated two different antioxidant molecules (i.e., octadecyl 3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate (Octa) and L-ascorbic acid (L-Asc)) in a three-dye host–guest system and studied the corresponding optical properties after prolonged irradiation times in air. It was found that the presence of the antioxidants, especially L-Asc, slowed the system's photodegradation down whilst at the same time retaining high emission efficiencies and without interfering with the cascade Resonant Energy Transfer processes among the dyes inserted in the nanochannels of the host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) ability to concentrate both direct and diffuse solar irradiation exhibits exciting potential as building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) in urban environments. As BIPV elements, LSCs are often imagined as semi-transparent solar windows which can be integrated seamlessly into a building's façade and architectural applications as solar harvesting devices. One application explored in this research is a solar geodesic dome panel for an ongoing community greenhouse development in Derry, N-Ireland. A 4V and 2 m diameter geodesic dome were modelled in Revit, and an Insight Solar Analysis model optimised the LSC-geodesic dome and calculated the solar potential. The triangular LSC panel of 875 cm2 was modelled using raytracing software to obtain efficiency parameters. Subsequently, fabricated using a luminescent acrylic 6T66 waveguide, edge-mounted silicon solar cells and tested outdoors for 29 h. A power conversion efficiency of 0.60% compared to theoretical power conversion efficiency of 1.49% was measured. In the optimum location of the dome, the LSC panel would produce 444.22 Wh and, overall, 74.2 kWh in a year. While this power generation is essential, semi-transparent LSC-geodesic dome panel transmission can downshift solar radiation in the photosynthetically active radiation range, better suited for plant growth and the greenhouse effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last decade, the field of luminescent solar concentrators (LSC) has experienced significant growth, as noted by the increasing number of studies. However, so far, most of the devices developed have only been employed in a simple planar configuration coupled with silicon photovoltaic solar cells. This type of device is essentially a solar window whose main objective is to produce electrical power. However, due to the intrinsic nature of LSC, that is, the ability to absorb, downshift and concentrate the solar radiation that impinges on it, this photonic device can be used in alternative ways. In particular, in this review, we will explore several non-conventional applications in which LSCs are used successfully, including as solar bioreactors for algae development, photo reactors for organic synthesis, and as greenhouses.

Hybrid solar lighting (HSL) systems reduce building energy consumption by supplementing conventional indoor lighting with solar light that is channeled into the building using optic cables. Herein, it is demonstrated that HSL systems can be improved by harnessing the nonvisible portion of sunlight to generate electric power. HSL systems are integrated with parabolic‐ and elliptic‐shaped solar spectrum splitters (SSSs) that partition collimated solar radiation into its visible and nonvisible parts. In the proposed SSS, luminescent materials and a bifacial photovoltaic cell capture and convert light energy in the spectral ranges from 280 to 435 nm and 675 to 900 nm into electricity. The visible light is coupled to a waveguide to be used in indoor lighting systems. The proposed HSL system is analyzed for a 0.2 m2 projected area of solar radiation and the results show that a nonvisible‐light‐to‐electricity conversion efficiency of up to ≈13.4% can be achieved for light entering the SSS. The power generated in the system can be used to power the electrical components of the HSL system and indoor lighting during off‐sun hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Agri-photovoltaics technology combines agriculture and photovoltaics to develop efficient plants and crops. Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs), a type of solar photovoltaics (Agri-PV), could potentially revolutionize agricultural methods and electricity generation. We introduce the new notation Agri-LSC, which combines greenhouse agriculture with luminescent solar concentrators. In this context, many studies have previously focused on LSC devices based on organic dyes showing high photophysical performances used for Agri-PV. However, their vulnerabilities are exposed by issues such as reabsorption, photostability, and short Stokes-shift. Rare-earth complexes could overcome these limitations as an alternative to organic materials since they possess high photoluminescence quantum yields with a broad Stokes-shift. Furthermore, when mixed with host polymers, the high level of transparency of lanthanide complex-based LSCs permits the necessary light to pass unhindered through the device. Lanthanide complexes are also considered luminescent down-shifters (LDS), thus implying their ability to clear out UV light below 400 nm, known to be harmful to crops, and transform it into a proper visible light where the photosynthesis of plants is much higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSC) have the potential application in building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV). 0D tin-based perovskites are a promising embedding phosphor in LSC due to the large Stokes shift and high photoluminescence quantum yield. But the instability and uncontrollable crystal growth are severe limiting their successful utilization in device fabrication. To tackle these issues, double-shell encapsulated configurations are presented, soft ligands of hypophosphorous acid and hard-shell of hollow mesoporous silica are simultaneously suppressing the oxidation of Sn 2+ and restricting crystal growth within nano-matrix. The stable phosphor is subsequently embedded into LSC for harvesting solar energy and the resulting output power efficiently drives the combined electrochromic glass under natural light. These fabricated devices also offer the self-adaptable switch on/off functionality to regulate light absorption with variable solar irradiation intensity in real time. This approach is anticipated to open new avenues for utilizing lead-free perovskite nanomaterials in self-powered smart windows for BIPV., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

In recent years, the technology of waveguide-based planar solar concentrators has been getting more attention in the Concentrated Photovoltaics (CPV) sector due to its compact design and performance versatility and its extended potential applicability from large power plants to built environments, such as Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). Within the last two decades, geometric design-based Planar Light Concentrator (PLC) and diffraction grating-based PLC have been developed with versatile design architectures along with luminescent PLC, which relies primarily on the development of concerned luminescent optical materials. However, congregating and evaluating the technical advancement gained in the field seems challenging due to the segregated state-of-the-art approaches. Hence, this review attempted to organise the present state of waveguide-based PLC in the frame of reference of PLC optics and optical material design. A systematic comparison of optics and optical material design parameters and the merit of the different PLC systems have been explored within this review to serve as a ready reference for its adoption to develop compact planar waveguide-based CPV systems.

The use of photovoltaics (PVs) and/or photo-thermal (PTs) as primary solar-energy solutions is limited by the low solar conversion of PVs due to the spectral mismatch between the incident radiation and/or the PV material. The PTs are curtailed by the limited absorbance and the low thermal conductivity of the working fluid. A possible solution is the use of luminophores able to perform luminescent down-shifting (LDS) conversion and to incorporate them in liquid or solid layers, which act as spectral beam splitters (SBSs). Dispersed in solid polymer layers, luminophores lead to luminescent solar concentrators (LSC). When dispersed in liquid and placed in front of PVs, luminophores act as working fluids and as SBS, leading to hybrid photovoltaic–photo-thermal (PVT) systems. Here, the SBS filters for PV and PVT systems are reviewed. The contribution of luminophores to electrical and thermal energy production is discussed from theoretical, experimental, and economical perspectives. Recent SBS architectural concepts which combine different optical elements are also considered. These architectures can harness the advantageous properties of LSCs, spectral modulators, and hybridisation in a single structure. By combining these different light-management strategies inside of a single structure, an improvement in the electrical and/or thermal energy production can be achieved.

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) have become an attractive way to produce green energy via their integration into buildings as photovoltaic windows. Recently, carbon quantum dots (C-QDs) have become the most studied luminescent material for the manufacture of luminescent solar concentrators due to their advantages, such as low toxicity, sustainability, and low cost. Despite the advantages of carbon quantum dots, they remain a low-efficiency material, and it is difficult to fabricate LSCs with a good performance. To address this problem, some of the research has used SiO2 nanoparticles (Nps) to produce a light-scattering effect that helps to improve the system performance. However, these studies are limited and have not been discussed in detail. In this regard, this research work was designed to evaluate the contribution of the scattering effect in different systems of carbon quantum dots used in a possible luminescent solar concentrator. To carry out this study, C-QDs and SiO2 Nps were synthesized by hydrothermal methods and the Stober method, respectively. We used different concentrations of both materials to fabricate film LSCs (10 × 10 cm2). The results show that the light scattered by the SiO2 Nps has a double contribution, in terms of light redirected towards the edges of the window and as a secondary source of excitation for the C-QDs; thus, an improvement in the performance of the LSC is achieved. The best improvement in photoluminescence is achieved when the films are composed of 20% wt carbon quantum dots and 10% wt SiO2 Nps, reaching a gain of 16% of the intensity of the light incident on the edges of the window with respect to the LSCs where only C-QDs were used.

Over the last decade, the field of luminescent solar concentrators (LSC) has experienced significant growth, as noted by the increasing number of studies. However, so far, most of the devices developed have only been employed in a simple planar configuration coupled with silicon photovoltaic solar cells. This type of device is essentially a solar window whose main objective is to produce electrical power. However, due to the intrinsic nature of LSC, that is, the ability to absorb, downshift and concentrate the solar radiation that impinges on it, this photonic device can be used in alternative ways. In particular, in this review, we will explore several non-conventional applications in which LSCs are used successfully, including as solar bioreactors for algae development, photo reactors for organic synthesis, and as greenhouses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enhancement of photoluminescence (PL) emission and waveguide play a key role in improving the optical efficiency of luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs). In this work, to boosting PL emission and waveguide simultaneously, one photonic crystal (PC) structure (crystalline colloid arrays (CCAs)) was introduced into carbon dots (CDs)-based polymer LSCs. A sandwich-structured CDs-based polymer photonic LSC, comprising glass/CDs-based polymer PC film/glass, was created. First, CDs-based colloidal crystal suspensions were prepared by co-assembly of monodispersed p(MMA-NIPAm) colloids and multicolor-emitting CDs in HEMA monomer induced by the evaporation-driven assembly. The obtained suspensions not only had uniform PL and structural colors, but showed enhanced PL emission. Second, the above suspensions were sandwiched between two glass sheets and finally a photonic polymer LSC with sandwiched structure (25 × 25 × 1.8 mm3) were formed via one-step photopolymerization technique. Remarkably, the optimal CDs-based polymer photonic LSCs with sandwiched structure not only had high transparence at visible range (>60%), but exhibited PL emission enhancement (at least 2 times). Furthermore, the maximum external optical efficiency (η opt ) of 5.84% could be achieved based on yellow-emitting CDs-based polymer photonic LSC. The high external optical efficiency was mainly attributed to the PL emission enhancement and good PC waveguide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, four new organic fluorophores, consisting of a central 9 H -carbazole (CBZ) or indolo[3,2- b ]indole (IDID) moiety, functionalized with (S)-3,7-dimethyl-1-octyl branched chains and connected to lateral 2-thienylethynyl or 2-thiophenylpropynone units, were synthesized by means of Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions and investigated for potential application in luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) systems. The photophysical properties of four final dyes were first evaluated in solution of four solvents with different polarity (toluene, chloroform, acetone, acetonitrile). For the IDID-based compound 4 , which proved to be the best candidate, the photophysical properties in thin films with PMMA matrix at different concentrations (0.4–2.0 wt%) were also investigated. Finally, their efficiency parameters as LSC systems connected to a photovoltaic (PV) cell were evaluated, obtaining a maximum device efficiency (η dev) of 0.46 ± 0.02 % at 1.2 wt%: these are very promising PV performances for a N -heteroarene-based dye, coupled with a sufficient stability in accelerated aging tests. [Display omitted] • Four organic fluorophores, based on a central 9 H -carbazole (CBZ) or indolo[3,2- b ]indole (IDID) moiety, were investigated. • The four dyes were easily synthesized by palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling protocols. • The photophysical properties of four organic dyes were investigated in solution of four different solvents. • For the most promising dye, photophysical properties in thin films with PMMA matrix were also investigated. • For the same dye, its efficiency as LSC system connected to a PV cell was evaluated (η dev = 0.46 ± 0.02 % at 1.2 wt%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]