• Meng, Y.; Li, X.; Wang, S.; Lau, C.K.; Hu, H.; Ke, Y.; Tan, G.; Yang, J.; Long, Y.: Flexible smart photovoltaic foil for energy generation and conservation in buildings. Nano Energy 91 (2022), p. 106632/1-9

10.1016/j.nanoen.2021.106632

Abstract:
Building-integrated solar cells not only generate electricity but also impact the envelope thermal characteristics, thus changing the micro-climate of buildings. Therefore, the collective effects of energy conservation and generation on buildings should be considered in one design. In this work, a smart photovoltaic window foil with near-infrared (NIR) modulation and low long-wavelength IR emissivity has been fabricated by combining organic perovskite and inorganic tungsten doped vanadium dioxide nanoparticles (W-VO2 NPs). The W-VO2 offers solar modulation and promotes extraction and transport of photogenerated charges, giving peak power conversion efficiency of 15.4% at 25 °C and 16.1% at 45 °C and average visible transmission of 25.5%, comparable to the best reported semitransparent perovskite solar cell with an additional favorable NIR modulation of 10.7%. This new strategy to integrate energy-saving functionality into photovoltaic foil initiates a new design rule for smart window development.