Thin film luminescent solar concentrators with improved light-exposure stability

In this work, a series of crosslinked fluoropolymeric systems is presented as high durability host matrix materials for luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs). The modifications occurring to the crosslinked fluorinated films when subjected to long-term (> 1000 h) light exposure are found to correlate well with the photovoltaic response over long-term operation of functioning LSC devices. In particular, it was possible to obtain better operational stability with the new crosslinked fluorinated films compared to reference PMMA-based devices by selectively controlling the composition of the LSC thin film. The results of this study allow a greater understanding of structure-property relationships in crosslinked fluorinated films subjected to long-term weathering and provide useful guidelines for the design of high durability fluorescent systems for improved light management in the field of photovoltaics. © 2014 IEEE