Synthesis and luminescence study of Zn 3 V 2 O 8 : Bi 3+ yellow phosphor for solar spectral conversion

A yellow phosphor Zn 3 V 2 O 8 : Bi 3+ was synthesized by solid‐state method. It can efficiently absorb UV photons of 250‐400 nm, and convert into strong yellow emission with maximum at 550 nm, which can be absorbed by dye‐sensitized solar cells ( DSSC s). VO 4 →Bi 3+ energy transfer is discussed. The critical Bi 3+ concentration is 0.04 with critical distance of 13.25 Å. The CIE coordinates of Zn 3 V 2 O 8 : Bi 3+ are (0.421, 0.518). Zn 3 V 2 O 8 : Bi 3+ phosphor exhibits good thermal stability with T 1/2 =150°C. The results indicate that Zn 3 V 2 O 8 : Bi 3+ phosphor is a promising UV ‐absorbing spectral converter to enhance power conversion efficiency and photochemical stability of DSSC s.