Spectrally shaping high-temperature radiators for thermophotovoltaics using Mo-HfO₂ trilayer-on-substrate structures

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Energy Conversion
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Efficient thermophotovoltaic (TPV) energy conversion relies on high-temperature, stable radiators.
• Existing TPV systems require advanced materials for optimal performance and sustainability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and analyze a novel trilayer radiator structure for enhanced TPV efficiency.
• To investigate the spectral shaping capabilities of interference regimes within the radiator.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a trilayer structure: molybdenum substrate, intermediate thin film, and hafnia layers.
• Analysis of spectrally distinct interference regimes and resonating cavities.
• Evaluation of radiative performance using a figure of merit.

Main Results:

• Identified two distinct interference regimes in the hafnia layer-molybdenum thin film substructure.
• Demonstrated that interference within and between cavities spectrally shapes thermal emission.
• Optimized structure provides broadband emission with a steep cutoff for GaSb cells.

Conclusions:

• The developed trilayer radiator structure is crucial for efficient and sustainable TPV devices.
• Spectral shaping through controlled interference is key to mitigating photoconversion losses.
• This technology offers a pathway to improved TPV energy conversion efficiency.