Effect of Ag Nanoparticles Doped in Polymethyl Methacrylate Matrix for Luminescent Solar Concentrator

Abstract

Metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) in the presence of dye molecules has been studied for application in luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) devices. The LSC was prepared from bulk polymerization reaction of methyl methacrylate (MMA), which was the matrix for the LSC devices. The polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) sheets doped by different dye concentrations were produced. The optical properties were characterized by absorption, emission and transmission spectroscopy measurements. Effects of dye concentrations on the photovoltaic performance of LSCs were investigated and discussed. Moreover, different concentrations of Ag nanoparticles were dispersed in the matrix in the presence of dye molecules in order to study the metal-enhanced fluorescence in material. The optimal concentration of Ag NPs resulting in a maximum fluorescence emission enhancement (almost 90 %) has been obtained which induced by the particular dye/Ag NPs composite materials. It depends on the coupling and spacing between neighboring dyes and Ag NPs. The result showed that the continuous transition from fluorescence enhancement to quenching, depending on Ag NPs concentration in the LSC device. The highest efficiency (1.96%) was achieved in solar cells which were assembled by the side of the PMMA sheets with dye concentration at 20 ppm.