Enhanced UV and IR filtering with PMMA\(/\)perylene-coated FTO glass for energy-efficient luminescent solar concentrator windows

Abstract

Luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) windows have been made by the solvent casting of polymethyl methacrylate\(/\)chloroform solutions doped with different concentrations of perylene yellow dyestuffs (KREMER 94700). The effect of dye concentration on the structure and spectral photophysical properties was studied using field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), energy-disperse analysis X-ray (EDAX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, optical absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy and chromaticity diagram (CIE 1931). The fluorescence intensity was the highest when the film has 5 × 10⁻³ wt% doping concentration. This film showed the best long-pass optical filter properties in the 200–535 nm band. In addition, it has high transmittance (∑75%), which is considered promising in ultraviolet (UV) protective window applications. Another important application is establishing infrared (IR) filtering windows based on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass spin-coated with the proposed LSC windows. The optical properties of these spectrally selective LSC windows were optimised to significantly reduce harmful solar radiation and enhance energy efficiency for building-integrated photovoltaics, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals for sustainable urban development and renewable energy integration.