Strong upconversion luminescence in LiYMo2O8:Er, Yb towards efficiency enhancement of dye-sensitized solar cells

• We proposed a potential upconverter for DSSCs.
• Strong green upconversion emissions induced by a 940 nm laser have been observed.
• Excellent sensitization effect of Yb3+ ions has been demonstrated.

Strong green upconversion (UC) emissions induced by a 940 nm laser have been observed in a series of Er3+, Yb3+ co-doped LiYMo2O8 samples. The diffuse reflectance absorption spectra show that the co-doped samples can absorb the photons in the range of 900–1050 nm efficiently, demonstrating the excellent sensitization effect of Yb3+ ions. Based on power switched UC luminescence, UC mechanisms are discussed, and the emission spectra excited by 490 nm are also measured to give additional evidence. The results reveal that application of these phosphors may improve the conversion efficiency of DSSCs.