Abstracts

Given the growing global demand for energy, researchers have explored new ways to develop more efficient and cost-effective energy generation systems. Solar energy stands out as one of the most promising sources, having been widely explored over the decades. However, a major challenge in generating electricity from solar radiation is the low conversion rate of certain parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, such as ultraviolet and infrared regions. To overcome this, an alternative is the incorporation of compounds that convert UV and IR into radiation within the absorption range of solar cells, that is, the so-called solar concentrators. In this context, systems containing Eu3+ complexes meet these requirements, by converting UV into visible radiation, and are then applicable as luminescent solar concentrators.Therefore, in this study, Eu3+ complexes, more specifically [Eu(tta)3(phen derivative)], were incorporated into PMMA or PVP polymeric substrates to produce solar concentrators. The 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives (PIB, PIB_4CH3, PIB_4F, PIN_2OH e AIP) were strategically synthesized to contain an extended aromatic chain, facilitating greater absorption of electromagnetic radiation.The complexes were characterized via FTIR, where stretches between 400 cm-1 and 600 cm-1, attributed to the Eu-O and Eu-N bonds, were observed. Mass spectrometry and elemental analysis also suggest the formation of the complexes, and the optical profiles were fully investigated via photoluminescence spectroscopy (PLS). In addition, the luminescent polymeric films were also studied via PLS and evaluated for photostability against incident radiation using a solar simulator as an exposure source.The results showed that the films maintained up to 50% of photostability after 7 hours of continuous light exposure, with particular emphasis on the [Eu(tta)3(PIB)] complex, which achieved retention rates exceeding 60%. Notably, the [Eu(tta)3(PIB)] complex embedded in PMMA and PVP demonstrated optical efficiency (opt) of 0.52% and Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE) of 3.6.10-4 %, surpassing previous findings in the literature. These results demonstrate the potential application of these complexes in scenarios that involve their use as luminescent solar concentrators.