On the use of organic ligands to sensitize inorganic phosphors for ultraviolet, visible, and infrared light harvesting

In the last decade, numerous research efforts have been focused on the use of wavelength-converting materials to extend the spectral response of existing solar cell technologies. In this regard, lanthanide-based nanophosphors are promising candidates with their emissions ranging from the UV to near-infrared. Nevertheless, new challenges are raised for the engineering, design, and synthesis of lanthanide phosphors with a high absorption cross section to match the wavelengths of solar cells spectral sensitivity. One creative approach involves the coordination of organic ligands at the nanophosphors surface to broaden their excitation wavelength range and yield ultrabright highly efficient hybrid phosphors. Herein, the state-of-the-art of the sensitization of inorganic lanthanide-based phosphors with organic antennas that could be used to enhance the performance of a-Si and c-Si solar cells through downshifting, upconversion, and downconversion mechanisms is briefly reviewed.