Eu3+ doped silica xerogel luminescent layer having antireflection and spectrum modifying properties suitable for solar cell applications

A spectrum modifying glassy luminescent layer with antireflection properties has been prepared with Eu3+ ions embedded in silica gel for solar cell applications. Preparation of such matrix by sol-gel process and change in luminescence properties in transforming from amorphous to crystalline phase are described. Luminescent Eu3+ species in amorphous silica matrix show intense red emission at 614 nm by absorbing UV/blue light. Amorphous environment with reduced symmetry for Eu3+ ions results in an unprecedented short decay time of 145 μs for 5D0-7F2 electric dipole transition. In the crystalline monoclinic phase of Eu2O3 nanoparticles, concentration quenching of Eu3+ species reduces luminescence output.