Enhanced light harvesting of Si solar cells via luminescent down-shifting using YVO₄:Bi³⁺, Eu³⁺ nanophosphors

The colloids of YVO₄ nanoparticles on microtextured Si surface are demonstrated to have promising potential for efficient solar spectrum utilization in crystalline Si solar cells. The solar cells showed an enhancement of 4% in short-circuit current density and approximately 0.7% in power conversion efficiency when coated with YVO₄ nanoparticles. The properties of cells integrated with YVO₄ nanoparticles were characterized to identify the role of YVO₄ in improved light harvesting. The current experiments conclude that the colloids of YVO ₄ nanoparticles not only act as luminescent down-shifting centers in the ultraviolet region but also serve as an antireflection coating for enhancing the light absorption in the measured spectral regime.