Efficient light harvesting of a luminescent solar concentrator using excitation energy transfer from an aggregation-induced emitter

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2014 Dec 14;16(46):25358-63. doi: 10.1039/c4cp03807j. Epub 2014 Oct 22.

Abstract

The compromise between light absorption and reabsorption losses limits the potential light conversion efficiency of luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs). Current approaches do not fully address both issues. By using the excitation energy transfer (EET) strategy with a donor chromophore that exhibits aggregation-induced emission (AIE) behaviour, it is shown that both transmission and reabsorption losses can be minimized in a LSC device achieving high light collection and concentration efficiencies. The light harvesting performance of the LSC developed has been characterized using fluorescence quantum yield measurements and Monte Carlo ray tracing simulations. Comparative incident photon conversion efficiency and short-circuit current data based on the LSC coupled to a silicon solar cell provide additional evidence for improved performance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electric Power Supplies*
  • Energy Transfer*
  • Luminescence*
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Nitriles / chemistry
  • Photons
  • Pyrans / chemistry
  • Solar Energy*

Substances

  • Nitriles
  • Pyrans