Infrared Light Energy Conversion —Aiming to Realize Transparent Solar Cells—

Abstract

Solar radiation is the most abundant renewable energy source. However, its overall utilization remains inefficient as half of the energy is in the form of infrared (IR) light, which cannot be harnessed due to its low energy. The investigation on the method for converting the infrared light, an unused renewable energy source, into an energy resource could be an import subject for effective utilization for clean and sustainable solar energy. In addition, invisibility of IR light provides us an opportunity to invent the clear and transparent devices photo-energy conversion. In this explanatory article, I will introduce the methodology and mechanism of energy conversion of infrared light and applications for IR light responsive photocatalyst and various transparent devices.