Luminescent Solar Concentrator Aqueous Microemulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current luminescent solar concentrators have limitations in efficiently absorbing and re-emitting solar radiation across a wide spectral range, leading to reduced external quantum efficiency and requiring toxic or flammable solvents for large-scale production.
Innovation Solution
Aqueous microemulsions containing photoluminescent compounds, such as benzothiadiazole and acene compounds, are used to create luminescent solar concentrators, allowing for high concentrations of photoluminescent compounds without excessive solvent use and enabling easier maintenance and improved solar device performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If photoluminescent compounds are dispersed in organic solvents for LSC preparation, then high concentrations of photoluminescent compounds can be achieved, but toxic and flammable solvents are required and large volumes are needed for large-scale production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent parameter from organic solvents (toluene, methanol, ethanol, chloroform, dichlorobenzene) to aqueous microemulsion. This parameter change eliminates toxicity and flammability while maintaining the ability to achieve high concentrations of photoluminescent compounds through micellar aggregation in the microemulsion system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces microemulsion as an intermediary system between the photoluminescent compounds and the aqueous environment. The microemulsion consists of surfactant aggregates (micelles) that solubilize the photoluminescent compounds, enabling high local concentrations without requiring toxic organic solvents for bulk dispersion.
2Ease of repair
If photoluminescent compounds are used in liquid state LSCs, then the device can be easily maintained and replaced, but large volumes of toxic solvents are required for large-scale production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the solvent system to aqueous microemulsion, which reduces the volume of solvent required while eliminating toxicity. The microemulsion structure allows high local concentration of photoluminescent compounds, reducing the total volume needed compared to conventional organic solvent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the LSC to be constructed as a replaceable liquid-filled device using safe aqueous microemulsion. This allows the LSC to be easily discarded and replaced at the end of its life without environmental hazards, implementing a disposable approach that is environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
3Reliability
If conventional LSCs absorb radiation outside the effective spectrum, then the external quantum efficiency is improved, but the absorption and emission bands overlap causing self-absorption phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits the local concentration of photoluminescent compounds within micelles of the microemulsion. This creates local quality differences where high concentration regions (inside micelles) provide strong absorption, while the overall distribution and Stokes shift prevent self-absorption. The microemulsion structure allows optimization of local properties without compromising global performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The use of aqueous microemulsions enhances the external quantum efficiency of solar devices by effectively absorbing and re-emitting solar radiation across a broader spectrum, reducing solvent usage and maintenance costs while maintaining device performance.
Implementation Method 1
selectively absorb inciding radiations having wavelengths outside the effective spectrum of the solar device, re-emitting the energy absorbed in the form of photons having a wavelength within the effective spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
Luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) comprising an aqueous microemulsion including at least one photoluminescent compound. Said luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) can be advantageously used in solar devices (i.e. devices for exploiting solar energy) such as, for example, photovoltaic cells (or solar cells), photoelectrolytic cells. Said luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) can also be advantageously used in photovoltaic windows.