An elementary solution to green energy
Under the covers
To celebrate the start of the International Year of the Periodic Table, we’re sharing this element-themed Nanoscale Horizons cover.
Solar energy is a promising form of renewable, green energy, in which light and heat are harnessed from the sun and converted into other forms of energy using a range of materials. One such type of material is a semiconductor photocatalyst, which converts light energy to chemical energy. The drawback is that most semiconductor photocatalysts do not work under near infrared (NIR) light, meaning this part of the solar spectrum is wasted.
In their review article, Professor Wei Wu and his team from Wuhan University describe a class of upconversion materials, which can convert NIR light into high-energy radiation, which can in turn be converted into useful forms of energy. They summarise recent advances in upconversion semiconductor photocatalyst research, and they hope that their review will inspire further research in this field, with the aim of making more efficient use of solar energy.
From the art desk
Professor Wu explains: "The idea of the cover begins with a Rubik's Cube. I love to play the Rubik's Cube in my spare time, which can not only make the brain flexible, but also exercise the spatial thinking ability. I think the little hexahedron is so changeable and mysterious. There are various permutations and combinations but only one optimum solution.
"This is analogous to our upconversion materials – only when the sensitizer ions and activator ions are arranged at the optimal concentrations do they emit the strongest excitation. We displayed the 17 rare earth elements on our Rubik's Cube, indicating well-designed upconversion materials.
"The ultimate aim of this work is to help solve the urgent energy and environment crisis. Therefore, the background of this cover is our common homeland, the beautiful earth. We hope that with the help of our upconversion photocatalysts the earth will become more beautiful."
Professor Wu’s coworkers, Dr Tian and Dr Yao, helped to design the cover image.
Read the article: Qingyong Tian et al, Nanoscale Horiz., 2019, 4, 10–25, DOI: 10.1039/C8NH00154E
This image appears on the front cover of Nanoscale Horizons, 2019, Issue 1.
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