Down-conversion characteristics of Eu3+ doped M2Y2Si2O9 (M = Ba,Ca, Mg and Sr) nanomaterials for innovative solar panels

Down-conversion properties of Eu³⁺ doped M₂Y₂Si₂O₉ (M = Ba, Ca, Mg, Sr) phosphors have been investigated in detail. These phosphors were synthesized via the simple, fast and cost-effective sol-gel technique at a temperature of 950 °C. Color coordinates and emission color can be altered by the varying concentration of dopant ion in Ca₂Y₂Si₂O₉ phosphor. Optimum luminescence intensity was obtained when doping 0.03 mol of Eu³⁺ ion. Using the excitation wavelength of 395 nm, these silicates showed strong red color, pure and sharp spectral peaks in visible region due to ⁵D₀→⁷F_1-3 transitions of Eu³⁺ present in the lattice. Effect of reaction temperature on luminescence was also analyzed for these phosphors. The sharp peaks in the X-ray diffraction pattern indicated the high crystallinity of prepared phosphors. Ca₂Y₂Si₂O₉ has shown an orthorhombic crystal structure. The FTIR results confirmed the metal-oxygen vibrational modes available in the range of 400–1600 cm^?1. Transmission electron microscopy images have revealed that the variation of alkaline earth metal provided a very different crystal structure. Excellent down conversion response of these phosphor materials can provide a great significance in the application of the coming solar devices.