Ethylene vinyl acetate films filled with ytterbium containing rare earth particles (Y₂SiO₅: Ce³⁺, Yb³⁺) which have optical down-conversion capabilities and useful for encapsulating solar cells

Abstract

In order to improve conversion efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells, optically down-converting encapsulate films were prepared by introducing rare earth particles Y 2 SiO 5 : Ce 3þ , Yb 3þ into ethylene vinyl acetate. First, ethylene vinyl acetate and the filler particles (up to 5 wt%) were melt compounded. Then, 0.4-mm thick film samples were made from the compounds with a laminator. Light conversion properties of the ethylene vinyl acetate films were investigated by UV-Vis-NIR spectra and fluorescence spectra. The relationships between the light conversion and the film transmittance were analyzed. The results show that the Y 2 SiO 5 : Ce 3þ , Yb 3þ-filled films were able to optically down-convert the 457 nm blue-violet light to the 980 nm near-infrared light. Peel strength increased to 31% (from 14.2 N/mm

Cerium Compounds in LEDs Technology

“…In this compound, it can down-convert an excitation wavelength of 457 nm (blue violet) to 980 nm (NIR). Further, for this sample, Ce 3+ can capture a broader range of UV light to cause emission of low energy photons, thereby making the solar cells very adaptable for this type of capture [38]. This process enhances the efficiency of silicon solar cells.…”

“…i. Down conversion: To improve the efficiency of silicon solar cells, compounds such as Y 2 SiO 5 :Ce 3+ , Yb 3+ are mostly used because Yb 3+ is well suited for energy excitation range (10,000 cm −1 ) from ground state to the highest excited state, which corresponds to NIR emission of around 980 nm [37,38]. In this compound, it can down-convert an excitation wavelength of 457 nm (blue violet) to 980 nm (NIR).…”

EVA Films Loaded with Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH) Modified with Methacrylic Anion: Effect of the Nanohybrid Filler on the Photodegradation Phenomena

“…In this regard, since the identification of structural and physico-chemical changes involved during EVA aging can provide useful information to slow down the process, several studies have been devoted to the comprehension of polymer degradation and its stabilization. Among them, the addition of fillers by using different formulation technologies was reported as a valuable solution to extend the material lifetime in terms of light resistance and mechanical and gas barrier properties [ 8 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. However, the selection of nanoparticles to improve the performance of polymer nanocomposites can be a difficult task.…”