Enhanced near-infrared emission by co-doping Ce3+ in Ba2Y(BO3)2Cl:Tb3+, Yb3+ phosphor

Abstract

Ce³⁺–Tb³⁺–Yb³⁺ tri-doped Ba₂Y(BO₃)₂Cl phosphors with intense near-infrared (NIR) emission and broad band absorption in the near ultraviolet region were synthesized by a convenient solid-state reaction in a reducing atmosphere, and the structure and the phase purity of all samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The visible and NIR emission spectra together with corresponding decay curves have also been measured to investigate the energy transfer (ET) processes and analysis ET mechanisms and efficiencies in Ce³⁺–Tb³⁺–Yb³⁺ tri-doped system. In addition, steady and dynamic luminescent properties of Tb³⁺/Ce³⁺–Yb³⁺ co-doped Ba₂Y(BO₃)₂Cl phosphors were also measured as a comparison. As an excellent sensitizer, Ce³⁺ ion could significantly enlarge the absorption cross-section and greatly enhance the NIR emission intensity of Yb³⁺ ion. It is believed that Ce³⁺–Tb³⁺–Yb³⁺ tri-doped Ba₂Y(BO₃)₂Cl phosphor is a promising down-conversion (DC) solar spectral convertor to enhance the efficiency of the silicon solar cells.