Multi-Surface Adhesion Luminescent Solar Concentrators for Supply-Less IoT

Abstract

The growing prevalence of Internet of Things (IoT) devices hinges on resolving the challenge of powering sensors and transmitters. Addressing this, supply-less IoT devices are gaining traction by integrating energy harvesters. This study introduces a temperature sensor devoid of external power sources, achieved through a novel luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) device based on a stretchable, adhesive elastomer. Leveraging a lanthanide-doped styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene matrix, the LSC yielded 0.09% device efficiency. The resultant temperature sensor exhibits a thermal sensitivity of 2.1%°C−1 and a 0.06 °C temperature uncertainty, autonomously transmitting real-time data to a server for user visualization via smartphones. Additionally, the integration of LED-based lighting enables functionality in low-light conditions, ensuring 24 h cycle operation and the possibility of having four distinct thermometric parameters without changing the device configuration, stating remarkable robustness and reliability of the system.