Biomimetic light-harvesting funnels for re-directioning of diffuse light

Alexander Pieper, Manuel Hohgardt, Maximilian Willich, Daniel Alexander Gacek, Nour Hafi, Dominik Pfennig, Andreas Albrecht and Peter Jomo Walla ()
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Alexander Pieper: University of Braunschweig
Manuel Hohgardt: University of Braunschweig
Maximilian Willich: University of Braunschweig
Daniel Alexander Gacek: University of Braunschweig
Nour Hafi: University of Braunschweig
Dominik Pfennig: University of Braunschweig
Andreas Albrecht: University of Braunschweig
Peter Jomo Walla: University of Braunschweig

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Efficient sunlight harvesting and re-directioning onto small areas has great potential for more widespread use of precious high-performance photovoltaics but so far intrinsic solar concentrator loss mechanisms outweighed the benefits. Here we present an antenna concept allowing high light absorption without high reabsorption or escape-cone losses. An excess of randomly oriented pigments collects light from any direction and funnels the energy to individual acceptors all having identical orientations and emitting ~90% of photons into angles suitable for total internal reflection waveguiding to desired energy converters (funneling diffuse-light re-directioning, FunDiLight). This is achieved using distinct molecules that align efficiently within stretched polymers together with others staying randomly orientated. Emission quantum efficiencies can be >80% and single-foil reabsorption

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03103-4

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