Efficient near-infrared quantum cutting in Ce3+-Yb3+ codoped glass for solar photovoltaic

We report that Ce3+ can be an efficient sensitizer for Yb3+ and a broadband absorber for blue solar spectra. The broadband excitation for near-infrared (NIR) emission is ranged from 350 nm to 500 nm. The allowed 4f -> 5d transition and the adjustable lowest 5d level make the energy transfer from Ce3+ to Yb3+ efficiently. Therefore the quantum efficiency (QE) is also very high up to 154.3%. Furthermore, the energy of Yb3+2F7/2 -> F-2(5/2) transition matches well with the band gap of a single-junction Si. Given the broad excitation band, high absorption coefficient and excellent mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability, this system can be used as down-conversion (DC) layer for solar cells. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.