Dispersed vs. Covalently Integrated Benzothioxanthene Emitters in Sustainable Luminescent Solar Concentrators

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Photochemistry
• Renewable Energy

Background:

• Benzothioxanthene (BTX) fluorophores are promising for luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs).
• Recycled poly(methyl methacrylate) (rPMMA) offers a sustainable polymer matrix.
• Incorporation methods (dispersion vs. covalent integration) can impact fluorophore performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the performance of BTX fluorophores in rPMMA using physical dispersion versus covalent integration.
• To investigate aggregation tendencies, photophysical properties, and LSC performance at high fluorophore loadings.
• To determine if covalent integration offers benefits over physical dispersion for LSC applications.

Main Methods:

• Experimental investigation of fluorophore-doped rPMMA composites.
• Photophysical characterization (absorption, emission, quantum yield, lifetime).
• Luminescent solar concentrator device fabrication and performance testing.
• Density functional theory (DFT) calculations for aggregation and electronic structure analysis.

Main Results:

• Both physically dispersed and covalently integrated BTX fluorophores in rPMMA showed similar absorption/emission spectra and high quantum yields (85-90%).
• LSCs fabricated from both systems exhibited comparable efficiencies, concentration factors, and photonic efficiencies.
• DFT calculations indicated minimal aggregation and preserved monomer-like electronic structure, irrespective of incorporation method.

Conclusions:

• Intrinsic fluorophore-polymer compatibility negates the need for covalent integration to achieve high LSC performance.
• Physical dispersion is a viable and potentially more scalable strategy for efficient LSCs using BTX emitters in rPMMA.
• This study demonstrates a sustainable and cost-effective approach for developing advanced luminescent solar concentrator technologies.