Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are a class of optical devices able to harvest, downshift, and concentrate sunlight, thanks to the presence of emitting materials embedded in a polymer matrix. Use of LSCs in combination with silicon-based photovoltaic (PV) devices has been proposed as a viable strategy to enhance their ability to harvest diffuse light and facilitate their integration in the built environment. LSC performances can be improved by employing organic fluorophores with strong light absorption in the center of the solar spectrum and intense, red-shifted emission.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe appearance of a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, in 2019 kicked off an international public health emergency. Although rapid progress in vaccination has reduced the number of deaths, the development of alternative treatments to overcome the disease is still necessary. It is known that the infection begins with the interaction of the spike glycoprotein (at the virus surface) and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 cell receptor (ACE2).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPhys Chem Chem Phys
June 2022
Recently, great research efforts have been devoted to perovskite solar cells (PSCs) leading to sunlight-to-power conversion efficiencies above 25%. However, several barriers still hinder the full deployment of these devices. Critical issues are related to PCE stability and device lifetimes, which could be improved by targeted engineering of the hole transport material (HTM).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThis work aims to review the most significant studies dealing with the environmental issues of the use of lead in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). A careful discussion and rationalization of the environmental and human health toxicity impacts, evaluated by life cycle assessment and risk assessment studies, is presented. The results of this analysis are prospectively related to the possible future massive production of PSC technology.
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