Nano-scale co-axial cables - heteronanotubes - can now be created from different semiconducting materials, offering the possibility of active nano-scale wires that absorb light efficiently and are also highly conductive. Our recent work uncovers the unique way in which infrared light is absorbed in the central core of a heteronanotube, altering the amount of visible light absorbed by the outer skin. This contrasts to the traditional picture of light absorption in semiconductors, where a photon of light is only absorbed if its energy is above a critical energy - the bandgap - of the material.

For more information please check out our recent publicationLink opens in a new window, which featured in a special issue on the renaissance of one-dimensional materialsLink opens in a new window.

Burdanova et al., Advanced Functional Materials 2104969 (2021)