Broadband Ce(III)-Sensitized Quantum Cutting in Core–Shell Nanoparticles: Mechanistic Investigation and Photovoltaic Application

Quantum cutting in lanthanide-doped luminescent materials is promising for applications such as solar cells, mercury-free lamps, and plasma panel displays because of the ability to emit multiple photons for each absorbed higher-energy photon. Herein, a broadband Ce³⁺-sensitized quantum cutting process in Nd³⁺ ions is reported though gadolinium sublattice-mediated energy migration in a NaGdF₄:Ce@NaGdF₄:Nd@NaYF₄ nanostructure. The Nd³⁺ ions show downconversion of one ultraviolet photon through two successive energy transitions, resulting in one visible photon and one near-infrared (NIR) photon. A class of NaGdF₄:Ce@NaGdF₄:Nd/Yb@NaYF₄ nanoparticles is further developed to expand the spectrum of quantum cutting in the NIR. When the quantum cutting nanoparticles are incorporated into a hybrid crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cell, a 1.2-fold increase in short-circuit current and a 1.4-fold increase in power conversion efficiency is demonstrated under short-wavelength ultraviolet irradiation. These insights should enhance our ability to control and utilize spectral downconversion with lanthanide ions.