All-Silicone-based Distributed Bragg Reflectors for Efficient Flexible Luminescent Solar Concentrators

• Published in: Nano energy 2020-04, Vol.70, p.104507, Article 104507
• Main Authors: Portnoi, Mark, Macdonald, Thomas J., Sol, Christian, Robbins, Tom S., Li, Tao, Schläfer, Johannes, Guldin, Stefan, Parkin, Ivan P., Papakonstantinou, Ioannis
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Distributed Bragg reflectors; Flexible devices; Luminescent solar concentrators; Solar energy
• ISSN: 2211-2855
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2020.104507

Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSCs) have drawn huge interest recently as a technology to pave the way towards the seamless integration of photovoltaics to a range of high-value industries; from architecture and sports to leisure and consumer electronics. Additional device flexibility comes with the inherent ability to attain freeform shapes, expanding the possible fabrication methods, applications and retro-fitting techniques. Unfortunately, flexible LSCs suffer from curvature induced losses which can severely reduce their efficiency, inhibiting the potential of large-scale devices. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate an all-silicone based flexible LSC and Distributed Bragg Reflector (DBR) combination diminishing curvature induced losses. The DBRs, fabricated using scalable solution-based processes, exhibit optical properties precisely engineered to partner our LSCs, as well as high uniformity, resistance to temperature and curvature. Comprehensive modelling shows that for large-scale devices (1 m2) we can essentially decouple the performance of the LSC from curvature, steering the technology towards commercial viability. [Display omitted] •We have demonstrated an all-flexible LSC and Distributed Bragg Reflector combination, allowing for efficient freeform LSCs.•Both LSC and DBR consist entirely of silicone-based materials, giving homogeneity, compatibility and mechanical consistency throughout.•We use a scalable, single-pot method to fabricate our DBRs and exhibit excellent control of optical properties of our multilayer structures.•We show a significant reduction of the dependence of the device efficiency on curvature.•We analyse the performance of large-scale LSCs using Monte-Carlo statistical models demonstrating a clear pathway to real consumer products.