Synthesis and characterization of GdVO4:Dy3+ nanosheets as down converter: application in dye-sensitized solar cells

Abstract

The effect of GdVO₄:Dy³⁺ luminescent film as down converter material on the efficiency of dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) was investigated. For this purpose, GdVO₄ nanoparticles doped with lanthanide were synthesized by hydrothermal method and the effect of different parameters such as temperature, reaction time, concentration of dopant and annealing regime on their morphology and photoluminescence (PL) properties were studied. The ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and PL spectroscopy studies indicated that GdVO₄ nanoparticles could be used as luminescent down conversion (DC) and UV filters. Considering the decrease of chemical stability of dye sensitized solar cells under UV radiation, nanoparticles of GdVO₄:Dy³⁺, constructed as a UV filter and the luminescent DC were used to increase the cell efficiency of DSSC. The efficiency of DSSC increased by 10.30 % using a film of nanoparticles on the back surface of the photo electrode (PE) and by 2.69 %, when the nanoparticles were used to prepare the PE of DSSC, compared with a DSSC lacking GdVO₄:Dy³⁺.