Foreword

I am glad to write the foreword for the timely book titled Light-harvesting Nanomaterials edited by Dr. Surya Prakash Singh. I believe this book is a mine of information for those who are pursuing work/research in this array. As fossil fuels are becoming more scarce, research on the development of various approaches to utilize renewable energy sources such as solar energy, wind and hydrogen is gaining importance.

Natural photosynthesis executes efficient light-harvesting by continuous unidirectional electron transfer between chromophores is magnificent aspect of nature’s light harvesting of solar energy has motivated researchers to mimic such a process. The science of light harvesting materials is experiencing remarkable growth. Till now conventional solid-state junction devices commanded photovoltaics, which are often made of silicon. Owing to the cheap fabrication and flexibility various light harvesting materials such as nanocrystalline materials, conducting polymer films and organic photoelectronic devices have emerged as alternatives.

Nanocrystalline materials provide possibilities of improved performance. Photosensitization of wide-band-gap semiconductors such as TiO₂ by adsorbed dyes have enabled practical for solar cell applications. This book dealing with light harvesting nanomaterials should be of use in this interest.

Prof. C.N.R. Rao
National Research Professor
University Distinguished Professor of Geography
Linus Pauling Research Professor &
Honorary President
Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, India