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Harnessing infrared solar energy with plasmonic energy upconversion

Author

Listed:
  • Zichao Lian

    (University of Shanghai for Science and Technology
    Kyoto University)

  • Yoichi Kobayashi

    (Ritsumeikan University)

  • Junie Jhon M. Vequizo

    (Okayama University
    Toyota Technological Institute, Hisakata, Tempaku)

  • Chandana Sampath Kumara Ranasinghe

    (Toyota Technological Institute, Hisakata, Tempaku)

  • Akira Yamakata

    (Okayama University
    Toyota Technological Institute, Hisakata, Tempaku)

  • Takuro Nagai

    (National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS))

  • Koji Kimoto

    (National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS))

  • Katsuaki Kobayashi

    (Osaka City University)

  • Koji Tanaka

    (Kyoto University, Yoshidaushinomiyacho)

  • Toshiharu Teranishi

    (Kyoto University)

  • Masanori Sakamoto

    (Kyoto University)

Abstract

Solar radiation is the most abundant renewable energy source, however, its overall utilization remains inefficient as half of the energy is in the form of infrared (IR) light, which cannot be harnessed due to its low energy. Upconversion (UC) is an effective means of converting IR radiation to high-energy light. Here, we show a plasmonic CuS/CdS heterostructured semiconductor that can generate energy comparable to that of visible light from IR radiation, with a high efficiency of up to 5.1%. The unique charge dynamics of this system lead to efficient carrier transfer and long-lived charge separation. As a result, photocatalytic coupled redox reactions occur, including oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde and hydrogen evolution, with activities maintained over one week. This work demonstrates the promise of plasmonic UC for utilizing sustainable energy from low-flux IR light.

Suggested Citation

  • Zichao Lian & Yoichi Kobayashi & Junie Jhon M. Vequizo & Chandana Sampath Kumara Ranasinghe & Akira Yamakata & Takuro Nagai & Koji Kimoto & Katsuaki Kobayashi & Koji Tanaka & Toshiharu Teranishi & Mas, 2022. "Harnessing infrared solar energy with plasmonic energy upconversion," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 5(12), pages 1092-1099, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natsus:v:5:y:2022:i:12:d:10.1038_s41893-022-00975-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41893-022-00975-9
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