Eu3+ doped silica xerogel luminescent layer having antireflection and spectrum modifying properties suitable for solar cell applications

A spectrum modifying glassy luminescent layer with antireflection properties has been prepared with Eu3+ ions embedded in silica gel for solar cell applications. Preparation of such matrix by sol–gel process and change in luminescence properties in transforming from amorphous to crystalline phase are described. Luminescent Eu3+ species in amorphous silica matrix show intense red emission at 614 nm by absorbing UV/blue light. Amorphous environment with reduced symmetry for Eu3+ ions results in an unprecedented short decay time of 145 μs for 5D0–7F2 electric dipole transition. In the crystalline monoclinic phase of Eu2O3 nanoparticles, concentration quenching of Eu3+ species reduces luminescence output.