Optimized solvent-thermal preparation of NaYF4 :Yb3+, Er3+ up-conversion nanoparticles for application in solar cells

Nanoparticles of Yb3+, Er3+-codoped sodium yttrium fluoride were prepared by solventthermal method. The properties of the prepared materials were characterized. The up-conversion luminescent properties of the NaYF4 : Yb3+, Er3+ nanoparticles were investigated. The effect of deionized water and ethanol as reaction medium on the performance of the up-conversion materials was studied. The results showed that the up-conversion nanoparticles had relatively high up-conversion effect when ethanol was used as reaction medium and simultaneously ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was also added. The up-conversion phosphors emit visible light which could be well utilized by solar cells.