Exploring the possibilities of Eu3+:La2O3 nanoparticles as an approach for down conversion processes in solar energy systems

M. Méndez; J. J. Carvajal; Y. Cesteros; L. F. Marsal; E. Martínez-Ferrero; P. Salagre; P. Formentín; J. Pallarès; M. Aguilò; F. Díaz

doi:10.1117/12.854756

18 May 2010 Exploring the possibilities of Eu³⁺:La₂O₃ nanoparticles as an approach for down conversion processes in solar energy systems

M. Méndez, J. J. Carvajal, Y. Cesteros, L. F. Marsal, E. Martínez-Ferrero, P. Salagre, P. Formentín, J. Pallarès, M. Aguilò, F. Díaz

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7725, Photonics for Solar Energy Systems III; 77250V (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.854756
Event: SPIE Photonics Europe, 2010, Brussels, Belgium

Abstract

Europium doped La2O3 nanocrystalline powders with sizes in the range of 50-200 nm have been obtained by the modified sol-gel Pechini method. These nanocrystals have been deagglomerated using sonication for 3 h and have been dispersed into a semiconductor P3HT polymeric matrix. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to study the evolution of the desired crystalline phase, and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) to determine the size and the morphology of the nanoparticles. Transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) was used to analyse the sonication effect, and Raman technique to observe the dispersion of the nanocrystals into P3HT. Finally, we studied and analysed the luminescence properties of the trivalent europium in the hexagonal La₂O₃ nanocrystals by excitation and emission properties. The luminescence spectrum of Eu³⁺ in these nanocrystals is dominated by the 5D0 → 7F2 transition with a maximum intensity peak located at 626 nm. On the other hand, we observed that P3HT is a suitable polymer with an absorption band between 350-650 nm including the wavelength range in which the nanoparticles emit light. These properties will allow us to use this material as a down-converter material.

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M. Méndez, J. J. Carvajal, Y. Cesteros, L. F. Marsal, E. Martínez-Ferrero, P. Salagre, P. Formentín, J. Pallarès, M. Aguilò, and F. Díaz "Exploring the possibilities of Eu³⁺:La₂O₃ nanoparticles as an approach for down conversion processes in solar energy systems", Proc. SPIE 7725, Photonics for Solar Energy Systems III, 77250V (18 May 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.854756

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