Thin-film luminescent solar concentrators: Optimization and photo-stability study of a model device based on a perylene fluorescent dye

This paper presents a study on the optimization and photo-stability of a perylene-based thin-film luminescent solar concentrator (LSC). It was demonstrated that device parameters such as dye concentration and film thickness significantly influence the PV response of the LSC device. In particular, a maximum power conversion efficiency gain of about 43% was achieved on optimized devices. The interpretation of the observed trends was supported by UV-vis, fluorescence and EQE measurements. Following optimization of device parameters, thin-film LSCs were exposed in air to continuous illumination under strong free-radical generating conditions to investigate the photo-stability of the LSC materials. In addition, the chemical modifications occurring to the organic dye molecule were correlated with the operational stability of the working LSC device, thus clarifying the effect of dye photo-degradation on device performance.