Near-infrared quantum cutting platform in transparent oxyfluoride glass–ceramics for solar sells

• Superb absorption and NIR emission was obtained in oxyfluoride glass ceramics.
• Efficient down-conversion from the Ce3+, Er3+ to Yb3+ ions was observed and studied.
• The proposed glass ceramics will be favored the development of the c-Si solar cells.

This study investigated the photoluminescent properties of Er3+/Yb3+ and Ce3+/Er3+/Yb3+ -doped oxyfluoride glass–ceramics. The transparent oxyfluoride glass–ceramics were prepared by high temperature melting method and subsequent heat treatment. Effect of heat treatment schedules on crystallization behavior and microstructure were analyzed by differential scanning caborimetry, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectrum and scanning electron microscopy. The structure of fluoride nanocrystals indicates that the main phase in the oxyfluoride glass ceramics is CaF2 nanocrystal sized at 25 nm at the optimal crystallization temperature 600 °C for 8 h. The Ce3+/Er3+/Yb3+ tri-doped oxyfluoride glass–ceramics shows wider absorption bands comparing with Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped oxyfluoride glass–ceramics. The effective energy transfer processes from Ce3+ to Yb3+, Er3+ to Yb3+ and Ce3+ to Er3+ all can take place simultaneously. The idea of using Ce3+ together with Er3+ and Yb3+ ions could enhance the ultraviolet visible light absorption and the 960–1040 nm near infrared emission. Results of this study demonstrate that the tri-activator Ce3+/Er3+/Yb3+ materials are promising for practical application to enhance the energy efficiency of crystalline Si solar cells via spectrum modification.