A group of Indian scientists has just made a breakthrough discovery in the field of artificial light harvesting. Inspired by the natural process of photosynthesis, researchers from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata and SN Bose National Center for Basic Sciences (SNBNCBS), Kolkata, have developed a new method using organic fluorescent molecules and an important treatment method. biopolymers.
These organic nanotubes have many potential applications, including solar cells, photocatalysis, optical sensors, and tunable multicolor light-emitting materials. Similar to how plants use chlorophyll to convert sunlight into energy, scientists have used organic nanotubes to absorb artificial light and transfer the energy to dye molecules like Nile Red and Nile Blue. The dye molecule then emits a color adjustment from the initial yellow-green color to an orange-red color, including white light.
Compared to traditional methods, this new method is more effective at capturing artificial light and has the added benefit of producing more colors. Researchers believe this breakthrough could pave the way for the development of advanced solar cells, optical sensors and light-emitting devices.
Detailed research on this innovative method has been published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications. This publication highlights the importance and potential impact of research conducted by Indian scientists.
What are organic nanotubes?
Organic nanotubes are tubular structures made up of organic molecules such as carbon and hydrogen. They are several nanometers in diameter and can be several micrometers long. These nanotubes are capable of absorbing light and converting it into electrical energy, a process known as photovoltaics.
Organic nanotubes have unique properties that make them attractive for use in a variety of applications, including electronics, energy harvesting, and biomedical devices. They can be synthesized using a variety of techniques, including chemical vapor deposition, self-assembly, and electrochemical methods. The development of organic nanotubes has opened up new possibilities for generating electricity in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
Artificial light harvesting applications:
The new method promises many practical applications:
- Solar cells: By harvesting artificial light, it is possible to design more efficient solar cells, capable of converting a higher percentage of sunlight into electricity.
- Optical sensors: This method opens up the possibility of creating advanced optical sensors that can detect different types of light more accurately.
- Light-emitting devices: The newly discovered method enables the development of new light-emitting devices that can produce a broader spectrum of colors, providing greater flexibility and customization.
The phenomenon observed in this study is called ‘Forster Resonance Energy Transfer’ (FRET) and it plays an important role in various applications such as DNA/RNA structural analysis, membrane mapping biology and conduct real-time PCR testing.
Although still in the early stages of development, this breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the use and harvesting of artificial light. Indian researchers Dr. Supratim Banerjee and Dr. Suman Chakrabarty envision a future where this approach will transform the way we harness and use artificial light.
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: pagasa.edu.vn