Boosting solar efficiency with nano matchsticks

(Nanowerk News) Researchers in Australia have demonstrated a highly efficient mechanism for extracting energy from metal nanocrystals, with potential benefits in photovoltaics, photocatalysis and optoelectronics. Based at RMIT University and CISRO, the Exciton Science-led team created nanometre-sized ‘matchsticks’ – tiny structures made with gold nanorods and cadmium selenide tips. The metal end of the matchstick structure operates like antennas for capturing light, and their interaction with the tip results in the accumulation of electrical charges. By…