Development of Transition Metal Oxide Based Nanostructures for Efficient Solar Thermal Conversion Applications

Abstract

Researchers are looking at sustainable clean energy sources by exploiting abundant solar power to combat global challenges in the energy sector and other environmental issues. The solar-thermal conversion process is a direct method of harvesting solar energy and effective means for storing thermal energy from plentiful incoming solar flux. Nanotechnology has imminence potential to improve the efficiency of the solar-thermal conversion process, by proposing application-specific nanoforms of energy materials. The main goal of the present investigation is to explore nano-engineered photo-thermal materials with unique thermal and optical properties to enhance the efficacy of the solar-thermal conversion process. The volumetric and interfacial heating-based solar absorber systems and their potential for heat confinement have been examined in this dissertation with insightful explanations for various custom design energy materials. Considering the interesting features of the transition metal oxides such as TiO2, and Co3O4; their nanoforms have been explored. Furthermore, the blended composite of Co3O4 with N-doped graphitic carbon has also been explored to achieve broadband optical absorbance. Finally, their potential for confining the generated heat at the air-liquid boundary region to facilitate effective solar-induced evaporation has been thoroughly examined. Numerous material characteristics and attributes, including size, phase, concentration, morphology, porosity and composition, have a significant impact on improving solar-thermal conversion efficiency. newline