Light interacting with metallic nanostructures generates plasmonic hot carriers which convert the light into electrical/ chemical energy

https://phys.org/news/2025-03-advancing-electricity-energy-conversion-method.html

"extends lifespan of plasmonic hot holes... overcomes thermal dissipation within ps making practical applications challenging... sustaining/ amplifying hot holes flow... gold nano-mesh structure on p-type gallium nitride semiconductor substrate, exhibiting strong visible light absorption facilitating hot hole extraction at surface, amplifying flow 2X... modifying substrate's growth direction enabling hot hole activation extension beyond hot spots... solar cells, photocatalysts, hydrogen production, optical sensors"