Efficient near ultraviolet to near infrared downconversion photoluminescence of La2GeO5: Bi3+, Nd3+ phosphor for silicon-based solar cells

Energy transfer from Bi3+ to Nd3+ in La2GeO5 occurs, proving that energy transfer mechanism of Bi3+→Nd3+ is an electric dipole-dipole (DMSO‑d6) interaction. The energy transfer efficiency of Bi3+→Nd3+ and theoretical quantum efficiency for La2GeO5: Bi3+, Nd3+ are calculated to be as high as 91% and 191%, respectively. La1.92GeO5:0.03Bi3+, 0.05Nd3+ phosphor presents a promising thermal behavior with an activation energy of 0.152 eV. Thus, the development of near-infrared downconversion Bi3+, Nd3+ co-doped phosphors might open up a new approach to achieve high efficiency silicon solar cells by means of quantum cutting.