Sunlight to UV Breakthrough

Science News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jun 26, 2026 · 2m

Scientists at Kyushu University have unlocked a breakthrough in solid-state photo upconversion, turning visible sunlight into ultraviolet light with 1.9% efficiency—enough to generate two UV photons for every hundred visible photons absorbed. Unlike previous liquid-based methods plagued by toxic solvents and evaporation, this new material uses precisely engineered organic molecules with controlled spacing to enable stable, high-performance energy transfer. With a quantum yield over 60% and patent protection already filed, the innovation opens doors for air purification, 3D printing, and…