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

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander Pieper & Manuel Hohgardt & Maximilian Willich & Daniel Alexander Gacek & Nour Hafi & Dominik Pfennig & Andreas Albrecht & Peter Jomo Walla, 2018. "Biomimetic light-harvesting funnels for re-directioning of diffuse light," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 9(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:9:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-018-03103-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-03103-4
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