Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Effect for Near Full-Spectrum Photo-Enhanced Osmotic Energy Harvesting

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Energy Conversion

Background:

• Photoresponsive nanofluidics are promising for osmotic energy conversion.
• Conventional systems are limited by narrow light absorption ranges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop advanced nanofluidics for broader light absorption and improved energy conversion efficiency.
• To investigate the synergistic effects of plasmonic and semiconductive materials in nanofluidic devices.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of plasmonic semiconductive heterojunction nanofluidics (PSH-NFs) using W18O49 and Co(OH)2 layers.
• Utilizing localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and type-II heterojunction for enhanced light absorption.
• Characterization of ion selectivity, transport efficiency, and power generation under simulated sunlight.

Main Results:

• Achieved near-full-spectrum light absorption through synergistic LSPR and type-II heterojunction.
• Demonstrated high ion selectivity (0.93) and improved interfacial ion transport.
• Obtained a power density of 36.4 W m-2, a 58.3% increase compared to non-irradiated conditions.

Conclusions:

• PSH-NFs significantly enhance photoresponsive osmotic energy conversion efficiency.
• The developed system offers a viable route for efficient solar energy harvesting and powering electronic devices.