Enhanced light harvesting of Si solar cells via luminescent down-shifting using YVO4:Bi3+, Eu3+ nanophosphors

Abstract

The colloids of YVO4 nanoparticles on microtextured Si surface are demonstrated to have promising potential for efficient solar spectrum utilization in crystalline Si solar cells. The solar cells showed an enhancement of 4% in short-circuit current density and approximately 0.7% in power conversion efficiency when coated with YVO4 nanoparticles. The properties of cells integrated with YVO4 nanoparticles were characterized to identify the role of YVO4 in improved light harvesting. The current experiments conclude that the colloids of YVO4 nanoparticles not only act as luminescent down-shifting centers in the ultraviolet region but also serve as an antireflection coating for enhancing the light absorption in the measured spectral regime. Copyright (c) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.