High-efficiency plasmonic luminescent solar concentrators based on thiol-ene polymer

Advances in solar energy harvesting technology require innovative approaches to meet the growing energy demand. In this work, we exploit the plasmonic interaction of metal nanoparticles with fluorophores to improve the optical performance of luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs). The plasmonic luminescent solar concen-trators (PLSCs) with dimensions of 5 cm x 5 cm x 0.5 cm containing CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) are fabricated, characterized, and evaluated systematically. As the Au NPs concentration increases, the optical performance of PLSCs exhibits, first enhancement, and then diminishment. When the Au NPs concentration is 2 x 10-4 wt%, the optimal external quantum efficiency, optical conversion efficiency, and power conversion efficiency of the PLSC reach 1.58%, 2.90%, and 0.437%, respectively. At higher concentrations of Au NPs, the non-radiative energy transfer from the CsPbBr3 QDs to the Au NPs leads to a decrease of the emission, which can be confirmed by the decreasing lifetime of the QDs. The overall optical performance of PLSCs depends on two competing effects, excitation rate and non-radiative energy transfer efficiency. Further-more, the PLSC demonstrate the good aesthetic quality as an excellent substitute for commercial glass. We anticipate that the high optical conversion efficiency of PLSCs based on thiol-ene polymer would shed light on future application in LSCs.

Automated summary

Advances in solar energy harvesting technology require innovative approaches. In this work, metal nanoparticles are used to improve the optical performance of luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs). The plasmonic luminescent solar concentrators (PLSCs) with CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs) and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) showed optimal performance at an Au NPs concentration of 2 x 10-4 wt%. Higher concentrations of Au NPs led to non-radiative energy transfer and decreased emission. The overall optical performance of PLSCs depends on excitation rate and non-radiative energy transfer efficiency.