Poly(lactic acid) as a transparent matrix for luminescent solar concentrators: a renewable material for a renewable energy technology

The suitability of L-poly(lactic acid) (L-PLA) as a transparent matrix, alternative to poly(methylmetacrilate) (PMMA), for use in luminescent solar concentrators is herein demonstrated. Low molecular weight L-PLA-based films, both chemically modified or blended with an oligothiophene luminescent dye (T5OH), showed excellent processability, photostability, and exhibited fluorescence quantum yields (of about 35%) even higher than T5OH-doped PMMA.