Bi3+ sensitized Y2WO6:Ln3+ (Ln = Dy, Eu, and Sm) phosphors for solar spectral conversion

• Y2WO6:Bi3+, Ln3+ (Ln = Dy, Eu and Sm) phosphors are proposed as UV spectral converter for DSSCs.
• The phosphors can efficiently convert UV photons in a broad range from 250 to 380 nm into visible emissions.
• The phosphor could be potentially applicable in keeping the chemical stability as well as enhancing the power conversion efficiency of DSSCs.

The phosphors of Y2WO6:Bi3+, Ln3+ (Ln = Dy, Eu and Sm) were synthesized by solid-state reaction in this study. The crystal structure, photoluminescence properties and energy transfer mechanism were investigated. By introducing Bi3+ ions, the excitation band of the phosphors was broadened to be 250–380 nm, which could be absorbed by the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The overlap between excitation of W–O groups/Bi3+ and the emission of Ln3+ (Dy, Eu, and Sm) indicated that the probability of energy transfer from W–O groups and Bi3+ to Ln3+. The energy transfer efficiency from Bi3+ to Ln3+ (Ln = Dy, Eu and Sm) are calculated to be 16%, 20% and 58%. This work suggested that Y2WO6:Bi3+, Ln3+ (Ln = Dy, Eu and Sm) might be a promising ultraviolet-absorbing luminescent converter to enhance the photoelectrical conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs).

Bi3+ sensitized Y2WO6:Ln3+ (Ln = Dy, Eu, and Sm) phosphors are proposed to be promising UV-absorbing spectral converter for DSSCs via solar spectrum conversion as it possess broad band absorption in the whole UV region of 250–400 nm and could emit intense visible lights.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide