This review article, published in Advanced Materials provides a comprehensive overview of pioneering research, present day activities and future directions aimed at enhancing the harvesting of sunlight, by exploiting the unique properties of slow photons in photonic crystal materials. The overarching objective is to develop efficient, scalable and cost-effective technologies that improve the efficacy of photocatalysts for making solar fuels from water and carbon dioxide as well as boost the performance of photovoltaics for generating electricity from sunlight. Research of this genre will help enable the transition from non-renewable fossil energy to renewable green energy, a grand challenge in the continuing battle to combat climate change, to protect the environment, to establish a secure and safe energy supply, and provide a sustainable world for humanity.
The full article can be read on the Advanced Materials website.