Large-area hydrophobic transparent wood with near-infrared fluorescence for solar energy conversion

The use of light-harvesting substances to enhance natural photosynthesis has become a central theme in the field of materials and botanical studies. However, most light-harvesting substances are derived from sources that are not eco-friendly. Moreover, the limited range of light harvesting contributes to low efficiency. Herein, we report a novel large-size hydrophobic transparent wood decorated with near-infrared carbon dots (NIR-CDs) for harvesting sunlight. Residual oxidants were eliminated from dignified wood using ascorbic acid, and a hydrophobic coating Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was applied to the surface of the transparent wood. Near-infrared carbon dots (NIR-CDs), derived from bamboo foliage within a schoolyard, were integrated into the transparent wood. The resultant LHW@NIR-CDs, with a recorded thickness of 1 mm and a light transmittance of approximately 90%, not only exhibit superior mechanical properties, but they also efficiently absorb and transform ultraviolet and near-infrared radiation into visible light, showcasing a prolonged excited state. The LHW@NIR-CDs enhance the natural photosynthesis of separated chloroplasts and live vegetation. Our engineered composite light-harvesting material, LHW@NIR-CDs, boosts the photosynthetic rate of isolated chloroplasts by 27.51%. When applied to practical agricultural cultivation, the use of LHW@NIR-CDs increased the dry weight and chlorophyll content of green pea shoots by 22.70% and 12.82%, respectively.