Issue 3, 2019

Luminescent solar concentrators: boosted optical efficiency by polymer dielectric mirrors

Abstract

We report on the optical efficiency enhancement of luminescent solar concentrators based on a push–pull fluorophore realized using high dielectric contrast polymer distributed Bragg reflectors as back mirrors. The Bragg stacks are obtained by alternating layers of cellulose acetate and thin films of a new stable and solution processable hydrated titania–poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite (HyTiPVA) with a refractive index greater than 1.9 over a broad spectral range. The results obtained with these systems are compared with enhancements provided by standard Bragg reflectors made of commercial polymers. We demonstrate that the application of the Bragg stacks with photonic band-gap tuned to the low energy side of the dye emission spectrum induces a 10% enhancement of optical efficiency. This enhancement is the result of a photon recycling mechanism and is retained even in a scaled-up device where the Bragg mirrors are used in a mosaic configuration.

Graphical abstract: Luminescent solar concentrators: boosted optical efficiency by polymer dielectric mirrors

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Research Article
Submitted
20 Nov. 2018
Accepted
18 Dec. 2018
First published
04 Janv. 2019

Mater. Chem. Front., 2019,3, 429-436

Luminescent solar concentrators: boosted optical efficiency by polymer dielectric mirrors

G. Iasilli, R. Francischello, P. Lova, S. Silvano, A. Surace, G. Pesce, M. Alloisio, M. Patrini, M. Shimizu, D. Comoretto and A. Pucci, Mater. Chem. Front., 2019, 3, 429 DOI: 10.1039/C8QM00595H

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