Novel NIR LaGaO3:Cr3+,Ln3+ (Ln = Yb, Nd, Er) phosphors via energy transfer for C–Si-based solar cells

Abstract

A series of Cr³⁺–Yb³⁺/Nd³⁺/Er³⁺ codoped LaGaO₃ phosphors were synthesized by a traditional solid-state method. The morphology, crystal structure, phase purity, and the luminescence properties of samples were characterized by using X-ray diffraction, Rietveld refinement, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and photoluminescence. The obtained phosphors exhibit efficient broad absorption in the near ultraviolet and visible (UV-Vis) region and intense near infrared (NIR) emission, due to the energy transfer process from the Cr³⁺ to Yb³⁺/Nd³⁺/Er³⁺ ions, which match well with the maximum photon flux region of the solar spectrum and the optimal spectral response of the C–Si solar cell. Moreover, we also observed an energy transfer from the Nd³⁺/Er³⁺ to Yb³⁺ ions. The efficiency was investigated and analyzed by the visible and NIR emission spectra and lifetime decay curve and the energy transfer efficiency was as high as 77%. Our results reveal that the Cr³⁺–Yb³⁺/Nd³⁺/Er³⁺ codoped phosphors are promising materials for enhancing the efficiency of solar cells.