A Mechanoresponsive Smart Window Based on Multifunctional Luminescent Solar Concentrator

Abstract

A novel approach to creating a multifunctional smart window that combines electricity generation with transparency modulation is developed. The proposed smart window is based on a mechanoresponsive luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) composed of organic fluorophores (coumarin 6) impregnated into a compressible polymer matrix (polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS) that is surface-modified on one side. In its initial state, the LSC is optically transparent but becomes increasingly opaque upon the application of compressive strain to the PDMS matrix, resulting in a higher optical shielding property and eventually becoming translucent. The smart window's degree of specular transmission can be reversibly adjusted between 20% and 84%, making it suitable for use as a switchable privacy window. Additionally, the LSC-photovoltaic (PV) window maintains a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) even when in a translucent state with the privacy function enabled. Under AM1.5G solar irradiation (1 sun, 100 mW cm(2)), the LSC-PV module achieves PCEs of 1.05-1.48% and optical efficiencies (& eta;(opt)) of 8.6-12.0%, depending on the strain. This technology holds significant promise for building-integrated photovoltaics and smart window applications, such as privacy-protecting windows, daylight-controlling windows, power-generating antinoise barriers, and transparent solar cells.