Emergence of carbon dots as luminescent solar concentrators for building integrated photovoltaics

Abstract

Luminescent solar concentrators are the most helpful tools for increasing the power conversion efficiency of photovoltaic cells through a solar harvesting mechanism. However, the limited scalability and efficiency, design, and poor cost-effectiveness remain the major obstacles to this technology's commercialization. The chosen luminophore also significantly influences the power conversion efficiency of luminescent solar concentrators. In recent years, fluorescent carbon dots have gained popularity as luminophores compared with inorganic materials, semiconducting quantum dots and organic dyes owing to their broad absorption range, good quantum yield, high photostability, superior exciton optics and biocompatible nature. Accordingly, carbon dot-incorporated luminescent solar concentrators have emerged as the most promising building-integrated photovoltaic technology to address the space demand of society. In addition to being affordable and lightweight, this technology reduces overheating and provides a vibrant exterior colour. However, the lack of evaluation and unsatisfactory power conversion efficiency of this technology have constrained its daily application. In this review article, we focused on the historical development of luminescent solar concentrators, fundamental photonic processes, working mechanisms, operating principles and factors affecting carbon dot-integrated luminescent solar concentrator devices. This evaluation will aid in understanding the advantages, applications and future investigations of this technology for prospective improvements in this field.