Efficient visible to near-infrared energy transfer in Ce3+–Yb3+ co-doped Y2SiO5 phosphors

Y 2 SiO 5 :Ce 3+ ,Yb 3+ phosphors were prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction method. Through an efficient energy transfer process, the obtained powders exhibit both a broad ultraviolet–visible emission of Ce 3+ (375–500 nm) and a near infrared emission of Yb 3+ (around 980 nm) with considerable intensity under a broad ultraviolet excitation (325–380 nm). Energy transfer phenomenon between the sensitizer and activator were investigated, luminescent spectra, decay times of Ce 3+ ions and energy transfer efficiency prove that energy transfer process from Ce 3+ to Yb 3+ is very efficient. Our results demonstrate that these phosphors may find potential application in improving the efficiency of silicon based solar cells.