Up- and down-conversion luminescence in the oxyfluoride glass ceramics containing Ba2+1.5xYb1−xF7:Tb3+ nanocrystals

Abstract Transparent oxyfluoride borosilicate glass ceramics containing Ba 2+1.5 x Yb 1− x F 7 :Tb 3+ nanocrystals were successfully prepared by a melt-quenching method with subsequent heat treatment. The precipitated crystalline phase in the glass matrix changed gradually from BaF 2 to Ba 2+1.5 x Yb 1− x F 7 with the increase of YbF 3 content, which was confirmed by the results of XRD, HRTEM and EDX measurements. The ultraviolet and visible up-conversion and near-infrared quantum cutting down-conversion emissions were observed and interpreted. These materials could be used to modify the solar spectrum and enhance the silicon solar cell efficiency by the up-conversion and down-conversion luminescence of Tb 3+ –Yb 3+ couples in the oxyfluoride borosilicate glass ceramics.