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High-entropy-alloy nanoparticles with 21 ultra-mixed elements for efficient photothermal conversion
Yijun Liao1, Yixing Li1, Rongzhi Zhao1
1Key Laboratory for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials (MOE), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China.
National Science Review
|June 9, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed ultra-mixed multi-metallic nanoparticles using a novel plasma method. These nanoparticles exhibit broad solar spectrum absorption (>92%) and high solar steam efficiency (~99%), paving the way for advanced photothermal applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Photothermal Conversion
Background:
- Multi-metallic nanoparticles are effective photothermal materials.
- Broadening optical absorption via interband transitions (IBTs) is challenging due to element immiscibility.
- Developing methods to uniformly mix immiscible elements is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize ultra-mixed multi-metallic nanoparticles with uniform distribution of immiscible elements.
- To enhance photothermal conversion efficiency by leveraging interband transitions and lattice distortion.
- To explore novel applications of uniformly mixed multi-metallic systems.
Main Methods:
- Arc-discharged plasma method utilizing high evaporation temperature, ultra-fast cooling, and vapor-pressure strategy.
- Synthesis of 21-element nanoparticles (FeCoNiCrYTiVCuAlNbMoTaWZnCdPbBiAgInMnSn).
- Characterization of optical absorption across the solar spectrum (250-2500 nm).
Main Results:
- Achieved uniform distribution of strongly repelling metallic combinations in nanoparticles.
- Demonstrated average solar spectrum absorption exceeding 92% due to reinforced lattice distortion and excellent IBTs.
- Attained high solar steam efficiency of nearly 99% with a water evaporation rate of 2.42 kg m⁻² h⁻¹ under one sun irradiation.
Conclusions:
- The arc-discharged plasma method enables the uniform mixing of highly immiscible elements for nanoparticle synthesis.
- The synthesized 21-element nanoparticles exhibit superior photothermal conversion efficiency.
- This approach offers a new strategy for exploring the properties and applications of complex multi-metallic systems.
