Optimising the spectral emissivity of the IR radiation source in a TPV generator is one of the crucial steps towards high efficiency TPV conversion. In this paper we present different approaches to the preparation of selective emitters to be coupled to high efficiency photovoltaic cells. The emitters are designed to work at a temperature of about 1500K and they have been prepared to be used either as external coatings for the burner or as a structural material for the burner itself. Composite ceramics containing rare earth cations, prepared by slip‐casting, with various concentration of rare earths were prepared by Slip Casting and Slurry Coating. Rare earth oxides have been incorporated into different oxide matrices, namely Silica, Alumina, Zirconia and their combination. The final aim was to find the material that exhibits the best performance in terms of both high selective power emission, good efficiency along with acceptable thermo‐structural properties (high temperature thermal shock resistance, good strength, no creep). The power density emitted by samples as function of the temperature has been tested in the range 1000nm–5000nm. The high temperature emission measurements and the structural tests indicate that a good compromise between the functional and the thermo‐structural properties may be reached. The results of the tests on the emitter coatings carried out in a TPV generator at the operating conditions are also presented in this paper. © 2003 American Institute of Physics