Enhanced light harvesting of Si solar cells via luminescent down-shifting using YVO_4:Bi~(3+), Eu~(3+) nanophosphors

摘要

The colloids of YVO_4 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 YVO_4 nanoparticles. The properties of cells integrated with YVO_4 nanoparticles were characterized to identify the role of YVO_4 in improved light harvesting. The current experiments conclude that the colloids of YVO_4 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.