Multi-functional transparent luminescent configuration for advanced photovoltaics

The conversion and manipulation of light via luminescent down-shifting (LDS) show promise in numerous applications. An elegant combination of lanthanide-doped polymer-derived ceramics incorporated with versatile nanopatterns is demonstrated using direct nanoimprint techniques. The prompt formation of nanoscale photonic structures enhances the fluorescence emission from the LDS while retaining the material's optical transparency. The functionality of this material is further expanded to accommodate surface energy modulation by nanopatterns. The practical applicability of this platform in photovoltaic devices is evaluated, showing distinctively enhanced efficiency and lifetime mainly attributed to the nanopattern assisted strong LDS property. Moreover, to efficiently combine two lanthanide emissions, so called a "double imprint" approach is devised by superpositioning two LDS nanopatterned arrays. Combined with the multi-functionality such as prominent LDS characteristics, color tunability, and surface energy modulation, the developed LDS platform offers promise for esthetic building-integrated photovoltaics. Multi-functional luminescent down-shifting (LDS) templates bearing subwavelength nanostructures are demonstrated. The LDS platform is tailored to photovoltaic devices to accommodate a distinctively enhanced efficiency and lifetime as a result of the nanopattern-assisted strong LDS property. Combined with the multi-functionality involving prominent LDS characteristics, color tunability and surface energy modulation, the developed LDS nanotemplate offers promise for esthetic building-integrated photovoltaics.