Defect Driven Opto‐Critical Phases Tuned for All‐Solar Utilization

Abstract

AbstractMaterials imbued with uniformly dispersed, photo‐responsive nanoparticles are instrumental in sustainable energy and photonic applications. Conventional methods, however, constrain their all‐solar response. An innovative alternative is proposed: submerged photo‐synthesis of crystallites (SPsC). It is shown that strategic doping with copper and oxygen vacancies can induce opto‐critical phases from the nonstoichiometric tungstic acids (WO3·H2O). These opto‐critical phases enable a dynamic equilibrium shift in lattice defect stabilization, facilitating an unprecedented a whole solar wavelength response. This response manifests as photothermal, photo‐assisted water evaporation, and photo‐electrochemical characteristics. Harnessing all‐solar energy, this one‐pot SPsC strategy may steer the design and development of advanced oxide materials, enhancing functionality across diverse application domains.