Highly efficient multifunctional frosted luminescent solar concentrators with zero-energy nightscape lighting

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are receiving increasing attention as photovoltaic (PV) modules to replace glass for seamless integration into the urban architectural landscape. Glass facades exhibiting different transparencies are highly demanded, however, LSCs with similar features of frosted glass are rarely reported. In this work, we developed eco-friendly multifunctional frosted LSCs (FLSCs) by incorporating the Si5.9Al0.1O0.1N7.9:Eu2+ phosphor with photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) up to 93% and the SrAl2O4:Eu2+, Dy3+ phosphor with bright persistent luminescence into a thiol-ene polymer. A record-high external quantum efficiency (eta(ext)) of 29.8% is demonstrated for a 5 cm x 5 cm FLSC with the corresponding power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 1.37% and optical efficiency (eta(opt)) of 3.4% by attaching Si PV cells along the FLSC. The FLSC is proven to be an excellent substitute for commercial frosted glass thanks to its similar aesthetic quality. In addition to PV modules, FLSCs also act as zero-energy nightscape lighting devices due to the persistent luminescence. FLSCs exhibit favorable photostability during 150 h of 1 Sun illumination. Therefore, this work develops a new type of multifunctional and stable FLSC, which can not only replace frosted glass in multiple scenarios, but also play important roles in photovoltaic and lighting applications.

Automated summary

In this study, a new type of eco-friendly multifunctional frosted solar concentrator (FLSC) was developed, which demonstrated high power conversion and optical efficiency, and can be used as a substitute for commercial frosted glass. It also acts as a nightlight with persistent luminescence.