Recent advances in green fabrication of luminescent solar concentrators using nontoxic quantum dots as fluorophores

Abstract

As an effective alternative to a solar cell, luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) have received a lot of attention since they can cut the cost of photovoltaic cells and realize building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPVs). However, there is still the challenge of how to make LSCs with cost-effective methods and green materials in order to make the practical use of LSCs more feasible. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the green fabrication of LSCs using nontoxic quantum dots as fluorophores. We first discuss the operating principle of LSCs and various nontoxic fluorophores. We then introduce green quantum dot based LSCs. Finally, the challenges and future developments of the green fabrication of LSCs using nontoxic quantum dots are briefly discussed.