High-Performance Luminescent Solar Concentrators Based on Poly(Cyclohexylmethacrylate) (PCHMA) Films
Francisco José Ostos1, Giuseppe Iasilli2, Marco Carlotti3
1Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Seville, c/Prof. García González 1, 41012 Seville, Spain.
Polymers
|December 8, 2020
Summary
Poly(cyclohexylmethacrylate) (PCHMA) offers improved luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) efficiency over poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA). PCHMA enhances fluorophore dispersion, leading to higher optical efficiencies for solar energy harvesting.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy Technologies
Background:
- Poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) is a common material for luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs).
- Improving fluorophore dispersion within the polymer matrix is crucial for LSC efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate poly(cyclohexylmethacrylate) (PCHMA) as a superior alternative to PMMA for LSCs.
- To evaluate the impact of PCHMA's properties on fluorophore dispersibility and LSC performance.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of LSC thin films using PCHMA and PMMA matrices.
- Incorporation of varying concentrations of Lumogen F Red 305 (LR) as the fluorophore.
- Measurement of optical efficiencies (ηopt) for different polymer systems and film thicknesses.
Main Results:
- PCHMA-based LSCs exhibited higher optical efficiencies (9.5-10.0%) compared to PMMA-based LSCs (0.5-1% lower).
- Optimized PCHMA films (approx. 30 µm) achieved a maximum ηopt of 11.5%.
- PCHMA's less polar nature improved LR dispersibility and reduced dissipative phenomena.
Conclusions:
- PCHMA is a promising material for developing highly efficient luminescent solar concentrators.
- The enhanced fluorophore-polymer interaction in PCHMA maximizes solar harvesting and quantum efficiency.
- PCHMA offers a viable route to advance LSC technology for renewable energy applications.
