Development of efficient luminescent solar concentrators based on inorganic/organic nanomaterials for applications in solar energy conversion

We are developing a luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) based on thin dye-zeolite-polymer layers. Efficient energy transfer systems are obtained by including organic dye molecules in the linear channels of zeolite L crystals. By using these systems as light-absorbing and emitting LSC components, self-absorption and escape cone losses can be reduced. The strong confinement of the dye molecules in the zeolite channels is further expected to lead to enhanced stability.