Downconversion for solar cells in YF3:Nd3+, Yb3+

Energy losses inherent to the conversion of sunlight to electricity in solar cells are mainly due to the so-called spectral mismatch: low energy photons are not absorbed while the energy of high energy photons is only partly used by the solar cell. The losses can be significantly reduced by adapting the solar spectrum. A promising avenue is the...

Energy transfer mechanism for downconversion in the (Pr3+, Yb3+) couple

Downconversion of one visible photon into two infrared photons has been reported for the lanthanide ion couple (Pr3+, Yb3+) in a variety of host lattices. The mechanism responsible for downconversion is controversial and has been reported to be either a two-step energy transfer process (via two first-order transfer steps, the first being cross...

Influence of Nanoscale Intimacy and Zeolite Micropore Size on the Performance of Bifunctional Catalysts for n-Heptane Hydroisomerization

In this study, Pt nanoparticles on zeolite/γ-Al2O3 composites (50/50 wt) were located either in the zeolite or on the γ-Al2O3 binder, hereby varying the average distance (intimacy) between zeolite acid sites and metal sites from "closest"to "nanoscale". The catalytic performance of these catalysts was compared to physical mixtures of zeolite...