Alternative Energy Devices and Systems: From Phosphor-Free Solid State Lighting to Solar-Powered Artificial Photosynthesis

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The worldwide energy market and environment is on the cusp of immense change, driven by a voracious demand and an increasing awareness of the limited supply and degrading environment of fossil fuels. In this context, we propose to investigate advanced nanoscale semiconductors and their applications in the effective utilization and sustainable production of energy. Based on our recent achievement of the world's most efficient phosphor-free white LEDs using InGaN nanowire arrays, we will first develop phosphor-free solid state lamps with an efficiency of over 200 lumens/watt, compared to the current ~100 lumens/watt. Such an innovative lighting technology will provide a paradigm shift for the massive lighting industry and an extraordinary opportunity for the manufacturing industry in Canada to take on the leading position in the world. Additionally, it has been envisioned that the current energy and environment issues can be largely addressed by developing artificial photosynthesis that can mimic the natural system, wherein only sunlight, CO2 and water are used as the raw materials for energy production. In this regard, the afore-proposed InGaN nanowires are ideally suited for artificial photosynthesis. Therefore, our intermediate term objective is to develop superior quality, multi-band InGaN nanowire based photocatalysts that can absorb a large part of the solar spectrum and can drive high-efficiency (>15%) solar hydrogen production. In the long term, we propose to demonstrate high efficiency photochemical reduction of CO2 into methanol under direct solar irradiation using such broadband nanowire arrays. Evidently, this program will also provide innovative solutions to the twin problems of global warming, including the capture and storage of greenhouse gases and the production of renewable fuels directly from CO2 and water. This coherent research program is solidly based on our pioneering work in the development of engineered nanomaterials, e.g. InGaN nanowire arrays and will provide an exceptional opportunity for training students and postdocs in the rapidly evolving renewable energy, lighting, manufacturing, and nanotechnology industries.