The Critical Role of Substrates in Mitigating the Power–Efficiency Trade-Off in Near-Field Thermophotovoltaics

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Near-field thermophotovoltaic systems can achieve ultrahigh power densities, however, this often comes at the cost of reduced efficiency. We show that this power-efficiency trade-off can be mitigated through substrate engineering. We exploit gradient-based optimization and show that thin lossless metallic films with plasma frequencies resonantly matched to the plasmonic emitter can yield high power and spectral efficiency by spectrally enhancing and confining radiative heat transfer to a narrow spectral range just above the photovoltaic bandgap. Compared to noble metals and air-bridged structures, designs deriving from such optimization yield more than an order-of-magnitude increase in radiative power density while maintaining high efficiency. Our results highlight the critical role of the substrate and the potential of substrate optimization for overcoming fundamental limitations of near-field thermophotovoltaic systems.

Source: ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5c17909

Authors: Kartika N. Nimje, Julien Legendre, Michela F. Picardi, Alejandro W. Rodriguez, Georgia T. Papadakis

Institutions: Institute of Photonic Sciences, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Princeton University

Language: English

Topic: Thermal Radiation and Cooling Technologies

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funders: Princeton University, Fundación Cellex, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, Institut de Ciències Fotòniques, European Defence Fund, European Defence Agency, European Commission, Generalitat de Catalunya, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, FUNDACIÓ Privada MIR-PUIG, Agencia Estatal de Investigación

OpenAlex ID: W4416575231