Optimal design for extending the lifetime of thin film luminescent solar concentrators

This study is concerned with the enhancement of the molecular, weathering stability of two models of thin film luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs). Two model systems of thin film LSCs had been proposed; the first model consists of a transparent PMMA/SiO2 nanohybrid layer coated on a coumarin doped PMMA substrate. The second model designed as the ordinary configuration in which coumarin dye is dissolved in PMMA/SiO2 nanohybrid layer then coated on a transparent PMMA substrate. The effect of nanosilica concentration on the prepared models was studied by TEM, SEM, DSC, FT-IR, UV vis absorption and indoor photodegradation test. The obtained results suggested the first model for a durable design of thin film LSC applications specially in hot regions. (C) 2014 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.