Near-infrared quantum cutting in NaYF4:Ce3+,Yb3+ nanocrystals for luminescent solar concentrators

A series of Ce3+-Yb3+ ions codoped NaYF4 nanocrystals were prepared by hydrothermal method. The structure, morphologies, photoluminescence properties and fluorescence dynamics were studied systemically. In Ce3+-Yb3+ ions codoped NaYF4 nanocrystals, strong near-infrared (NIR) emission at 900–1100 nm was observed under the excitation of 5d level of Ce3+ ions. The lifetime of Ce3+ ions decreased increases with increasing Yb3+ ions concentration. The back energy transfer from Yb3+ ions to Ce3+ ions in NaYF4 nanocrystals does not occur. As a near-infrared luminescent convertor, the kinds of materials have potential to be applied in luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) and efficient NIR emitters.