Review: wood composites as sustainable energy conversion materials for efficient solar energy harvesting and light management

Harnessing and effectively utilizing abundant and sustainable solar energy is regarded as a promising solution to the global energy crisis. Forests, being nature’s largest light energy capturing units, bestow oxygen and shelter upon all living beings, making them an invaluable gift to humanity. Apart from serving as natural air ionizers, load-bearing structures, and traditional building materials, wood and its derivatives can also be employed in cutting-edge sustainable applications. Their manifold advantages encompass a naturally porous and hierarchical structure for efficient water and nutrient transport, low thermal conductivity, mechanical stability, as well as versatile chemistry achieved through structural engineering and chemical or thermal modifications. This review provides an overview of the synergistic optical and thermal applications of wood for seawater desalination, wastewater treatment, and light management in energy-efficient buildings. The emphasis lies on elucidating the structure and application properties of wood with respect to establishing a symbiotic relationship between solar energy and wood towards sustainability.