Mouchet Sébastien R
Department of Physics, Namur Institute of Structured Matter (NISM) & Institute of Life, Earth and Environment (ILEE), University of Namur, Rue de Bruxelles 61, Namur 5000, Belgium.
School of Physics, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QL, UK.
J R Soc Interface. 2025 Feb;22(223):20240284. doi: 10.1098/rsif.2024.0284. Epub 2025 Feb 19.
Efficient energy harvesting, conversion and recycling technologies are crucial for addressing the challenges faced by modern societies and the global economy. The potential of harnessing mid-infrared (mid-IR) thermal radiation as a pervasive and readily available energy source has so far not been fully exploited, particularly through bioinspiration. In this article, by reviewing existing photon-based strategies and the efficiency of natural systems in harnessing light and thermal radiation, I highlight the promising role of bioinspiration in enhancing energy capture, conversion and recycling. Natural photonic structures found in various organisms, including insects, birds and plants, exhibit sophisticated optical properties that can be leveraged for energy-efficient applications. These developments pave the way for future research and innovation in bioinspired energy solutions. Ultimately, they contribute to the pursuit of a sustainable and environmentally conscious future by harnessing the beauty of nature's designs to meet humankind's energy needs.
高效的能量收集、转换和回收技术对于应对现代社会和全球经济所面临的挑战至关重要。利用中红外（mid-IR）热辐射作为一种普遍存在且易于获取的能源的潜力，迄今为止尚未得到充分开发，特别是通过生物启发的方式。在本文中，通过回顾现有的基于光子的策略以及自然系统在利用光和热辐射方面的效率，我强调了生物启发在增强能量捕获、转换和回收方面的重要作用。在包括昆虫、鸟类和植物在内的各种生物体中发现的天然光子结构，展现出复杂的光学特性，可用于节能应用。这些进展为生物启发式能源解决方案的未来研究和创新铺平了道路。最终，它们通过利用自然设计之美来满足人类的能源需求，为追求可持续和环保的未来做出贡献。
