Red photoluminescent PMMA nanohybrid films for modifying the spectral distribution of solar radiation inside greenhouses
Luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) films based on Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) nanohybrids were
prepared using free radical polymerization of MMA incorporated with oxide nanoparticles; SiO2, ZnO and
TiO2. The effect of nano-oxide type was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV
eVis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy measurements. The performance of LSC nanohybrid films
was evaluated and optimized for photoselective greenhouse cladding applications in order to increase
the plant productivity by changing the solar spectrum. It was found that ZnO nanohybrid LSC film had
offered the best spectral properties for photosynthetic active radiation besides their excellent resistance
to photo and thermal degradation especially in hot countries like KSA. Regarding thermal efficiency, the
highest infrared (IR) efficiency has been found for silica nanohybrid LSC film, which reached about 83%.
This result is promising to improve thermal efficiency in greenhouse claddings in cold regions and
thermal covering systems like solar dryers and solar desalination systems
