Solar-assisted fabrication of large-scale, patternable transparent wood

Transparent wood is considered a promising structural and light management material for energy-efficient engineering applications. However, the solution-based delignification process that is used to fabricate transparent wood generally consumes large amounts of chemicals and energy. Here, we report a method to produce optically transparent wood by modifying the wood's lignin structure using a solar-assisted chemical brushing approach. This method preserves most of the lignin to act as a binder, providing a robust wood scaffold for polymer infiltration while greatly reducing the chemical and energy consumption as well as processing time. The obtained transparent wood (similar to 1 mm in thickness) demonstrates a high transmittance (>90%), high haze (>60%), and excellent light-guiding effect over visible wavelength. Furthermore, we can achieve diverse patterns directly on wood surfaces using this approach, which endows transparent wood with excellent patternability. Combining its efficient, patternable, and scalable production, this transparent wood is a promising candidate for applications in energy-efficient buildings.

Automated summary

Researchers have successfully produced transparent wood using a solar-assisted chemical brushing approach, preserving most lignin as a binder to reduce chemical and energy consumption. The obtained transparent wood demonstrates high transmittance, high haze, excellent light-guiding effect, and patternability on wood surfaces. Transparent wood shows promise for energy-efficient building applications due to its efficient, patternable, and scalable production process.