Flame synthesized Y2O3:Tb3+–Yb3+ phosphors as spectral convertors for solar cells

Near-infrared (NIR) quantum cutting phosphors serve as a potential material for fabricating photovoltaic spectral convertors. In many cases, quantum cutting phosphors are obtained via a wet chemical method coupled with a post-annealing treatment—a very costly process. In this report, we used continuous flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) for fabricating Y 2 O 3 :Tb 3+ –Yb 3+ quantum-cutting phosphors without any post-treatment. Based on characterizations by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction, we found that as-synthesized Y 2 O 3 :Tb 3+ –Yb 3+ phosphors exhibit hollow and shell-like micro-structures composed of highly crystalline and pure cubic-phase nanoparticles ( 500 nm), making them suitable as spectral photovoltaic convertors.