Bulk luminescent solar concentrators based on organic-inorganic CH3NH3PbBr3 perovskite fluorophores

• Published in: Solar energy materials and solar cells 2019-04, Vol.192, p.44-51
• Main Authors: Bagherzadeh-Khajehmarjan, Elnaz, Nikniazi, Arash, Olyaeefar, Babak, Ahmadi-Kandjani, Sohrab, Nunzi, Jean-Michel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Luminescent solar concentrators; Monte-Carlo simulation; Perovskites; Photovoltaic conversion efficiency; Re-absorption; Solar cells
• ISSN: 0927-0248; 1879-3398
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2018.12.009

In this paper, we report characterization and performance results of lead bromide perovskite luminescent solar concentrator. CH3NH3PbBr3 fluorophores are synthesized by sonication method and examined by their X-ray diffraction pattern and scanning electron microscopy. Synthesized perovskite shows excitonic absorption at 524 nm and PL emission peak located at 532 nm with a Stokes shift around 8 nm. Micron-sized fluorophores are dissolved in prepared solutions and uniformly embedded in PMMA host with 0.006–0.120%wt concentration. Then, Fabricated devices are cut into 50 × 30 × 5 mm cuboid shapes and placed in a mirror surrounded configuration with an attached photovoltaic cell. Fabricated device is put under standard AM1.5 illumination and the output spectrum from the concentrator is acquired. Re-absorption in the samples is also measured by variable optical path method, showing red-shifts up to 13 nm in the output spectrum. Spatially resolved photoluminescence maps and optical efficiencies are also presented for each sample. Plus, a Monte-Carlo ray tracing algorithm is developed to assist better understanding the experimental results. Stability of fabricated samples are evaluated under high intensity UV illumination, reporting efficiency reduction around 15% after 24 h. Finally, Comparing current-voltage characterization of the attached photovoltaic cell reveals optimized efficiency enhancement in the 0.04%wt sample above 65%. •Luminescent solar concentrators employing lead bromide perovskites are fabricated.•Durable functionality of perovskite fluorophores in PMMA matrix is observed.•Re-absorption in the samples is measured by variable optical path method.•Monte-Carlo ray tracing algorithm is developed to assist the experimental results.•68% boost in the optical efficiency is measured for the 0.04%wt sample.