Advances in upconversion enhanced solar cell performance

Photovoltaics (PV) is the leading renewable energy harvesting technology. Thus, there a remarkable strive to enhance light capability of state-of-the-art solar cells. The major issue common all cell types that they utilize only limited portion spectrum, mostly in visible range, as active semiconductor materials suffer from intrinsic absorption thresholds. As result, photons below and above these threshold values do not contribute electricity generation. A plausible solution performance integrate PV with an upconverting (UC) component capable lower infrared (IR) range emitting light. concept was first introduced 1990s, but progress field has been made particular recent few years. In this overview our intention provide readers comprehensive account research on UC-enhanced Lanthanide ions embedded different host lattices constitute most important UC material family relevant technology; we summarize design principles fabrication routes materials. Then discussed are approaches taken layers actual device configurations. Finally, will highlight prominent results obtained, give some future perspectives outline remaining challenges scientifically intriguing application-wise field.