Photothermal Nanomaterials: A Powerful Light-to-Heat Converter

All forms of energy follow the law of conservation of energy, by which they can be neither created nor destroyed. Light-to-heat conversion as a traditional yet constantly evolving means of converting light into thermal energy has been of enduring appeal to researchers and the public. With the continuous development of advanced nano technologies, a variety of photothermal nanomaterials have been endowed with excellent light harvesting and photothermal conversion capabilities for exploring fascinating and prospective applications. Herein we review the latest progresses on photothermal nanomaterials, with a focus on their underlying mechanisms as powerful light-to-heat converters. We present an extensive catalogue of nanostructured photothermal materials, including metallic/semiconductor structures, carbon materials, organic polymers, and twodimensional materials. The proper material selection and rational structural design for improving the photothermal performance are then discussed. We also provide a representative overview of the latest techniques for probing photothermally generated heat at the nanoscale. We finally review the recent significant developments of photothermal applications and give a brief outlook on the current challenges and future directions of photothermal nanomaterials.

Automated summary

This review focuses on the latest advances in photothermal nanomaterials, exploring their potential and underlying mechanisms as powerful light-to-heat converters. Various nanostructured photothermal materials, including metallic/semiconductor structures, carbon materials, organic polymers, and twodimensional materials, are extensively reviewed. The impact of material selection and rational structural design on improving photothermal performance is discussed. The review also covers the latest techniques for probing photothermally generated heat at the nanoscale, recent significant developments in photothermal applications, and the current challenges and future directions of photothermal nanomaterials.