Light-conversion phosphor nanoarchitectonics for improved light harvesting in sensitized solar cells

Photovoltaic technology provides a promising approach for solar energy conversion. One significant factor limiting the efficiency is the poor light harvesting of solar energy, which is related to the mismatch between the energy distribution of photons and the absorption of semiconductor materials or dye. Light-conversion phosphors have been explored as spectral converters to improve the light-harvesting ability in sensitized solar cells. Many progressive studies have been conducted to expand the family of light-conversion phosphors and exploit their application in sensitized solar cells, bringing emerging opportunities to develop commercial sensitized solar cells. In this review, we survey the development of light-conversion phosphors in sensitized solar cells. First, the application and conversion mechanism of light-conversion phosphors, including up-conversion phosphors, down-conversion phosphors, up/down conversion phosphors, and long-lasting phosphors, are summarized in detail. After that, the challenging problems and possible solutions of applying light-conversion phosphors to sensitized solar cells are discussed. The review also highlights some new ideas in the development of sensitized solar cells and the application of light-conversion phosphors in other solar technology.