Quantum dots based luminescent solar concentrator

In recent years, quantum dots outperformed organic dye in solar concentrator in terms of optical efficiency, by virtue of recent achievement in the field of the structure engineering, tunable spectroscopy and enhanced stability. Quantum dots luminescent solar concentrator(LSC) has been considered as a new direction in the research field of quantum dots. Due to the development of mass production techniques and green procedures, which facilitate a gradual reduction in the manufacturing cost of quantum dots, quantum dot concentrators have an advantage in the high efficiency and low cost of photoelectric conversion. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in quantum dots based LSC, including the advantages of the solar concentrator, the requirements for the optical properties of the concentrator, the process of the device fabrication and the performance characterization of the device. We focuse on the influence of essential factors on LSC performance, including solar absorption capability, photoluminescence quantum efficiency and reabsorption. Meanwhile, recent new research directions in this field are introduced and the future potential application of low-cost solar window for urban architecture is envisioned.