Efficient near-infrared quantum cutting and downshift in Ce3+-Pr3+ codoped SrLaGa3S6O suitable for solar spectral converter

• A novel solar spectral converter SrLaGa3S6O:Ce3+, Pr3+ is developed.
• The NIR emission spectra (λex = 453 nm and λex = 603 nm) show dual-mode NIR downconversions mechanism.
• SLGSO:0.01Ce3+, 0.06Pr3+ can almost convert UV-blue-red (250–625 nm) photons into an intense NIR emission (930–1060 nm).

A novel solar spectral converter SrLaGa3S6O:Ce3+, Pr3+ for Si solar cells is developed. The luminescence spectra and the decay curves were investigated. The results show that through dual-mode NIR downconversions mechanism (quantum cutting and downshift), it can almost convert UV-blue-red (250–625 nm) photons into an intense NIR emission (930–1060 nm), perfectly matching the maximum spectral response of Si solar cells. The solar utilization of Si solar cell has been greatly broadening and enhancing. We believe this phosphor may open a new route for designing an advanced solar spectral converter for Si solar cells.