Nonlinear Phenomena in Complex Systems, 2025, Vol.28, No.3, pp.242

NONLINEAR PHENOMENA IN COMPLEX SYSTEMS
An Interdisciplinary Journal

2025, Vol.28, No.3, pp.242 - 247

Visible Quantum Cutting in NaGdF₄:Eu Nanocrystals for Enhancing Solar Cell Efficiency

E. O. Mityushkin, A. G. Shmelev, R. M. Gataullina, A. V. Leontyev, L. A. Nurtdinova, D. K. Zharkov, V. G. Nikiforov

NaGdF₄:Eu nanocrystals are known as quantum cutting systems, that can convert UV radiation into the visible range with a quantum yield close to 200%. Typically, 202 nm photons are used to excite the ⁶G_J levels of Gd³⁺ ions. However, this mechanism has drawbacks due to low absorption efficiency at 202 nm and the relatively large amount of absorbed energy, which dissipates through non-radiative transitions. Additionally, the absence of vacuum ultraviolet radiation in sunlight renders this quantum cutting method useless for designing any type of sunlight convertors. In this study, we demonstrate the ability of NaGdF₄:5%Eu to convert 250 nm UV light into visible emission of Er3+ ions. We employ an alternative quantum cutting approach based on cross-relaxation between Er³⁺ ions, which exhibits a quantum yield of 188%. This technique offers promising prospects in the field of green photovoltaics.

Key words: Cross relaxation, Energy transfer, Fluorides, Green photovoltaics, Hydrothermal synthesis, Luminescence, NaGdF₄:Eu, Nanocrystals, Nanophosphors, Quantum cutting effect, Quantum efficiency, Rare-earth ions, Solar cells, Ultraviolet excitation

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17236960

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