Quantum Dots Illuminating the Future of Greenhouse Agriculture

Abstract

Greenhouse agriculture relies heavily on fossil fuels for indoor lighting, resulting in significant greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy, offers a sustainable solution. Solar energy, being clean and reliable, is ideal for agricultural greenhouses, reducing their dependency on conventional energy sources and lowering emissions. Recent studies have highlighted effective solar technologies for greenhouse integration. This article reviews the role of luminescent materials like quantum dots in optimizing light management. Quantum dots enhance solar energy absorption by converting ultraviolet radiation into visible photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), improving plant photosynthesis and growth conditions in controlled environments. Advancements in solar greenhouses focus on integrating technologies such as light-to-light conversion and photovoltaic (PV) systems. Quantum dots, as inorganic semiconductors, are particularly effective in greenhouse covers, converting high-energy UV radiation into PAR and boosting productivity. Traditional PV modules on greenhouse structures can cause shading, negatively impacting crop growth. However, using bifacial PV modules based on Quantum dots, such as Luminescent Solar Concentrators (LSCs), can enhance PAR inside greenhouses while capturing light at the edges to generate electricity for internal use, mitigating shading issues and enhancing efficiency.