Application of a dual functional luminescent layer to enhance the light harvesting efficiency of dye sensitized solar cell

A luminescent coating of CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ particles applied on photoanode (TiO2) layer of SQ1 sensitized solar cell by doctor blading the paste of phosphor particles. The luminescent layer acted as a dual functional layer and enhanced the short circuit current density (JSC) by 64% via both scattering effect and downshifting of the photons in 400-600 nm spectral range to photons in 600-800 nm spectral range. Considerable relative enhancement in incident photon to current conversion efficiency (IPCE) up to 350% in 400-600 nm spectral range proves the down shifting effect as the dominant factor for the improved performance of dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC).