Near-infrared luminescence enhancing by co-doping Bi3+ in YVO4:Nd3+

• Pure tetragonal YVO4:Nd3+, Bi3+ were successfully synthesized.
• The structural and photoluminescence of these samples were characterized.
• It had strong NIR light, and the relevant mechanisms have been discussed in detail.
• It could have the potential application in enhancing the efficiency of Si-based solar cells.

NIR luminescence phosphors Nd3+, Bi3+ co-doped YVO4 were prepared by conventional solid-state reaction and the optical properties are investigated by photoluminescence, photoluminescence excitation spectra and fluorescence decay measurements. Introduction of Bi3+ in YVO4:Nd3+ led to significantly enhancing of the NIR emission of Nd3+ ions, the peak excitation wavelength also red-shifted from 335 to 352 nm and match better with the solar spectrum. Energy transfer from VO43-, Bi3+ charge transfer states to the excitation states of Nd3+ accounts for this fluorescence enhancement and the possible energy transfer mechanism was briefly discussed. The peculiar optical properties of YVO4:Bi3+, Nd3+ help us to forecast the feasibility of potential application in enhancing the efficiency of Si-based solar cells.