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.