Color-tunable multilayered laminated luminescent solar concentrators based on colloidal quantum dots

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSC) are a promising technology for building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Besides obtaining satisfactory efficiencies and aesthetic appeal, a simple and low-cost fabrication process is required to deploy large-scale LSCs. Herein, we introduced a facile and cost-effective fabrication method to obtain laminated LSC (L-LSC) devices. By optimizing the fabrication parameters, L-LSC based on polymer sub-strates exhibited higher efficiency (power conversion efficiency, PCE=0.24%, external photon efficiency, eta ext=4.14% and optical efficiency, eta opt=3.46%) compared to glass-based L-LSC (PCE=0.09%, eta ext=1.59%, eta opt=1.76%) due to their excellent optical properties and good compatibility with the laminated emissive layer. Using the optimized L-LSC device, a color-tunable multilayered L-LSC structure is then proposed. By embedding different QDs into two interlayers, the color appearance of the device can be tuned, simultaneously improving the overall efficiency. This study presents a notable advancement towards a practical application of L-LSCs with a satisfactory efficiency and color aesthetics for sustainable BIPVs.

Automated summary

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are a promising technology for building integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs) that require a simple and low-cost fabrication process. This study introduces a facile and cost-effective fabrication method for laminated LSC (L-LSC) devices. By optimizing the fabrication parameters, L-LSCs based on polymer substrates exhibit higher efficiency compared to glass-based L-LSCs, and a color-tunable multilayered L-LSC structure is proposed to improve efficiency and aesthetics. This study presents a notable advancement towards practical application of L-LSCs for sustainable BIPVs.