Effects of downconversion luminescent film in dye-sensitized solar cells

A transparent luminescent film of uniform nanocrystals, which could absorb UV light and downconvert it to visible light, was prepared by coating approach. Application of the as-prepared film in dye-sensitized solar cells was investigated. Comparing with the uncoated solar cell, the introduction of the Dy3+ doped LaVO4 luminescent film onto back of solar cell could greatly enhance the lifetime of the solar cell. As the downconverted light can be reabsorbed by solar cell and generate current, solar cell with luminescent film improved energy conversion efficiency by 23.3% relative to the referenced one coated with an undoped LaVO4 film. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.