All-Plant-Based Artificial Lighting Solution for Greenhouses

Artificial lighting is essential for greenhouse cultivation, especially in regions with long, dark winters such as Sweden. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have significantly improved energy efficiency and enable spectral control via colour conversion layers (CCLs), which transform UV or blue light into wavelengths (400–700 nm) suitable for plant growth. However, current CCL materials, mainly inorganic phosphors and quantum dots, depend on rare earth elements, heavy metals, and other critical raw materials, raising concerns about supply security, cost, and environmental impact.This project aims to develop fully plant-derived CCLs for sustainable greenhouse lighting. We will synthesize highly luminescent carbon dots (C-dots) from local biomass to replace conventional colour conversion materials, while also exploring bio-based polymers as alternatives to petroleum-based matrices. These materials are designed to deliver comparable optical performance without relying on toxic or scarce resources.Briefly, the project will establish a sustainable and adaptable lighting solution, that derived from plants and optimized for plant growth, supporting circular and resource-efficient greenhouse agriculture.