Development Of Quantum-Dot Luminescent Coatings For Self-Illuminating Solar Roadways: A Sustainable Approach To Night-Time Road Visibility

Road safety during night-time remains a critical challenge, particularly in regions with limited access to continuous street lighting infrastructure. Conventional road illumination systems rely heavily on electrical power, resulting in high energy consumption and maintenance costs. This paper presents the development of a sustainable self-illuminating roadway system based on quantum-dot (QD) luminescent coatings integrated with solar energy harvesting mechanisms. Quantum dots exhibit size-dependent photoluminescence, enabling efficient light emission under low-energy excitation. The proposed approach utilizes solar energy during daylight hours to charge embedded photovoltaic layers, which subsequently activate quantum-dot luminescent coatings during night-time conditions. The system architecture combines photovoltaic cells, energy storage modules, and photoluminescent QD coatings applied to road surfaces. Experimental analysis and simulation results demonstrate enhanced night-time visibility, reduced power dependency, and improved durability under environmental stress. The proposed solution offers an energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional roadway lighting systems.