Linic, S., Christopher, P. & Ingram, D. B. Plasmonic-metal nanostructures for efficient conversion of solar to chemical energy.
Life on Earth is dependent on the conversion of solar energy to cellular energy by the process of photosynthesis.
Conversion of solar energy via thermal route is highly efficient, more environmental friendly and economically viable.
Conversion of solar energy into thermal energy is the easiest and most used method.
Tremendous research efforts have been conducted studying the capturing and conversion of solar energy.
Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting has been envisioned as a sustainable approach to produce clean and renewable fuel by the direct conversion of solar to chemical energy1,2,3.
The basic principles of conversion of solar energy by photoelectrochemical methods are reviewed.
The key problem for the direct conversion of solar energy in photoelectrochemical cells is catalysis.
Finally, the researchers are looking at ways to use their photonic crystal to improve the conversion of solar energy into electricity.
The goals of this work are both fundamental and practical, with the applied component of the work directed towards optimizing the conversion of solar radiation to electrical energy.
In contrast, the conversion of solar energy to electrical energy occurs with an actual efficiency in the range of 10-15%.
