Development and analytical application of nanosystems for photoenergy storage and localization

Nanosystems for photoenergy storage and localization were established by using nanomaterials of metals and semiconductors. Photocatalysts with oxidative energy storage abilities were developed by means of storing surplus energy generated on TiO2 electrochemically during the daytime. They can maintain the detection and removal of toxic compounds, even after dark. In order to realize highly sensitive spectroscopic sensing systems under severe conditions, methods that can improve the thermal and chemical stabilities of plasmonic metal nanoparticles were established. Furthermore, effective arrangements of plamonic metal nanoparticles and dyes were investigated and realized so as to utilize photoantenna effects based on localized surface plasmon resonance. These technologies should progress the field of spectroscopic analysis, as well photoenergy conversion systems with high efficiency. This review paper is a comprehensive summary of our achievements.