Copper-infused nanocrystals boost infrared light conversion

Researchers from Hokkaido University, led by Assistant Professor Melbert Jeem and Professor Seiichi Watanabe, have developed copper-doped tungstic acid nanocrystals that can efficiently convert a wide spectrum of solar radiation, including infrared light, into energy. Current solar technology mainly uses visible and ultraviolet rays, leaving out a significant portion of solar radiation. The team's nanocrystals can absorb light from ultraviolet to infrared, with the highest infrared absorption at 1% copper doping. These nanocrystals also demonstrated excellent photothermal properties and water evaporation efficiency. The copper ions in the nanocrystals may be altering the crystal structure of tungsten oxide, contributing to their unique characteristics. This breakthrough opens up possibilities for harnessing all-solar energy and has the potential for various applications in renewable energy.

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