NANJING: A newly discovered material at the intersection of organic and inorganic chemistry could revolutionize cancer treatment and enhance solar panel efficiency, according to a study published in the journal Nature Chemistry.
The composite material combines ultra-tiny silicon nanoparticles with an organic element similar to those used in OLED televisions. It has shown the ability to accelerate energy exchange between molecules and convert lower-energy light into higher-energy light.
Researchers, led by Professor Lorenzo Mangolini from UC Riverside, have developed a specialized process for producing the silicon nanoparticles required for the material. The unique properties of this composite have the potential for various applications, with cancer treatment being one of the most promising.
Ability of New Material to Treat Cancer
The material enables the emission of high-energy light that can generate therapeutic radicals capable of attacking cancerous tissue. Unlike ultraviolet light, which cannot penetrate deeply into tissues, near-infrared light can reach tumor sites, but lacks the energy required for therapeutic effects. However, with the new material, researchers have achieved photon up-conversion, allowing the transformation of low-energy light into a higher energy form.
Importantly, the silicon nanoparticles forming the base of this material are not toxic, making it suitable for medical applications. The breakthrough could potentially enhance cancer treatment by using near-infrared light to generate therapeutic radicals in deep tissues.
Beyond medical applications, the material holds promise for solar energy. By capturing near-infrared light that typically passes through solar panels, the efficiency of solar cells could be significantly improved. This advancement could reduce the size of solar panels by up to 30 percent, making them more compact and efficient.
The discovery of this groundbreaking material opens up new possibilities in the fields of cancer treatment and renewable energy. With further research and optimization, it has the potential to revolutionize cancer therapies and enhance the efficiency of solar panels, bringing significant advancements to both areas.
