Work

The PVA-PA-TiN composite coating with enhanced photothermal performance for solar energy harvesting

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: To meet the demand for efficient solar energy utilization, the development of highly efficient, scalable solar thermal conversion technologies with wide-spectrum absorption capabilities is essential. This study developed a PVA-PA-TiN composite coating with high-temperature stability using a simple two-step method. Leveraging the synergistic effect of titanium nitride's (TiN's) plasmonic properties and the surface porous structure, the coating achieved an average broadband absorption of 94 % across the 300–2500 nm spectrum. It also exhibited a concentration-dependent photothermal response. Under simulated solar radiation, at a TiN mass fraction of 1.5 %, the surface temperature reached 76 °C. Furthermore, the PVA-PA-TiN composite coating demonstrated rapid de-icing capability, reducing the de-icing time to only 250 s at this TiN content. This technology shows promising potential for applications in solar de-icing, building thermal management, and concentrated solar power systems, providing a scalable approach for economically feasible solar thermal energy collection. This technology shows promising potential for applications in solar de-icing, building thermal management, and concentrated solar power systems, providing a scalable approach for economically feasible solar thermal energy collection.

Source: International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer

DOI: 10.1016/j.icheatmasstransfer.2025.109973

Authors: Xiaowen Chen, Xiangyu Tong, Ning Chen, Bin Zhang, Xiaohu Wu

Institutions: Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Institute of Advanced Technology

Language: English

Topic: Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,560