ABSTRACT
One of the most proficient methods for harnessing abundant solar energy and converting it to electrical energy is through photovoltaic (PV) conversion. Though the concept of capturing solar energy is not new, this technology is still not cost-effective due to the poor power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of existing solar cells. The most critical factor hindering the improvement in PCE is the so- called spectral mismatch between the incident solar photon energy distribution and the bandgap of the PV material. This has motivated global researchers to focus on the development of efficient luminescent materials that are capable of converting the broad spectrum of incident sunlight into photons of a suitable wavelength corresponding to PV cells. This can minimize significant losses such as thermalization (<550 nm) and transmission (>1100 nm) losses 132pertaining to solar-cell-based energy conversion technologies and hence can contribute to the enhancement of the overall efficiency of PV cells. In this chapter, we will be highlighting recent progress in the development of lanthanide-based down-conversion phosphor materials for spectral modification and efficiency enhancement in PV cells.
