(198a) Alignment of Quantum Dot Nanorod/Silica Hybrid Particles on Glass Substrate for Luminescent Solar Concentrator

Luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) is a solar energy harvest device which converts light energy into electrical energy. It mainly consists of luminescent materials embedded in polymer matrix and photovoltaic cells at the edge. The luminescent materials can absorb incident light and deliver it to the edge as emitted light at a certain wavelength. Due to the broad absorption and narrow emission, quantum dots (QDs) have been widely used as luminescent materials in LSC. Among various types of QDs, quantum dot nanorods (QDNRs) have recently drawn considerable interest. Unlike spherical QDs, QDNRs emit the polarized light along the long axis. Therefore, if QDNRs are vertically aligned into the polymer matrix in LSC, the light energy can be efficiently delivered to the edge photovoltaic cells and conversion efficiency is enhanced. To align the QDNRs on glass substrate, we prepare QDNR/silica hybrid particles by sol-gel reaction and vertically align hybrid particles on glass substrate. We use SEM and TEM techniques to confirm the alignment and characterized the optical properties by UV and PL spectrometer. We believe that vertical align method using QDNRs/silica hybrid particles have potential in luminescent solar concentrator.