Multifunctional luminescent solar concentrators: Metrics, advanced materials and smart energy systems

Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) have the characteristics of semi-transparent (or transparent) and cost effective, as well as the ability to absorb diffuse sunlight, which make them topic of significance interest in the field of energy. Notably, LSCs have undergone rapid development over the past decade, and their applications now extend well beyond building integrated photovoltaics. This expansion highlights an urgent need to summarize recent advancements in multifunctional LSCs to facilitate future progress in the field. In this review, we begin by discussing the fundamental principles of LSCs and clarifying the performance evaluation criteria to facilitate more robust and comparable conclusions. Furthermore, we systematically review advances in luminophores for LSCs over the past decade, with a focus on strategies aimed at enhancing LSC efficiency based on fundamental operational principles. Finally, by summarizing the cutting-edge applications of LSCs over the past decade, we aim to inspire researchers to develop a multifunctional LSC designs, thereby enhancing their practical significance and broadening their functional scope.