Hybrid photothermal structure based on Cr-MgF2 solar absorber/PMMA-graphene heat reservoir for enhanced thermoelectric power generation

• Published in: Nano energy Vol. 110; p. 108352
• Main Authors: Kwak, Geonho, Jeong, Yoo-Seok, Kim, Sun-Woo, Kim, Jin-Kyeom, Choi, Jihyeok, Song, Kyung Guen, Kim, Hee Jun, Choi, Won Jun, Yang, Ya, Song, Hyun-Cheol, Baik, Jeong Min, Yu, Hak Ki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2023
• Subjects: Heat reservoir; Light absorber; Low emissivity; Photothermal properties; Thermoelectric generator; Photothermal properties; Heat reservoir; Light absorber; Thermoelectric generator; Low emissivity
• ISSN: 2211-2855
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2023.108352

In this paper, a facile strategy for a hybrid photothermal structure that can efficiently manage solar heat is reported. The hybrid photothermal structure consists of a Cr/MgF2 multilayer structure absorber and a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-graphene heat reservoir that prevents the absorbed heat from being lost through radiation or convection. It exhibits a quite high light absorption of approximately 80% over a wavelength range of 0.5–2.5 µm. The thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity are improved by about 47% according to the addition of graphene to PMMA, effectively transferring the stored heat to a place where it can be used efficiently. When the hybrid photothermal structure was applied to the hot zone of a thermoelectric generator, the output voltage is improved by 2.74 times compared to the device with only the light absorber. In addition, the difference between the high and low temperatures reached up to approximately 27 K. [Display omitted] •Hybrid photothermal structure that can efficiently manage solar heat is suggested.•It consists of a Cr/MgF2 multi-layered film and a PMMA-graphene heat reservoir layer.•Hybrid photothermal structure shows high light absorption over 90% in visible light wavelengths.•Thermal conductivity is improved by approximately 47% with the addition of graphene.•The output voltage of the TEG with the hybrid photothermal structure is improved by 2.74 times.