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Polyacrylamide Microparticles-Assembled Hydrogel with Mitigated Inhomogeneous Deformation for Efficient Photovoltaic
Xiaojing Yu1, Zeyu Ren1, Yuyang Wu1
1Key Laboratory of Heat and Mass Transfer and Low-Carbon Conversion, Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|December 12, 2025
Summary
We developed a novel microparticle-assembled hydrogel for efficient photovoltaic cooling. This material overcomes structural issues of conventional hydrogels, enabling sustained thermal management and improved solar energy performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Renewable Energy Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Hydrogel-based evaporative cooling is a key passive strategy for photovoltaic (PV) thermal management.
- Conventional hydrogels face challenges like structural deformation and limited water capacity, impacting long-term PV performance.
- Addressing these limitations is crucial for advancing solar energy efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel hydrogel material with enhanced structural stability and water retention for PV cooling.
- To investigate the self-assembly mechanism and dynamic network properties of the microparticle-assembled hydrogel (MPH).
- To engineer and evaluate a water-fed cooling system utilizing the MPH for efficient and durable PV thermal management.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of polyacrylamide microparticle-assembled hydrogel (MPH) via triggered self-assembly.
- Characterization of MPH structural dynamics, hydration/dehydration behavior, and thermal contact.
- Engineering of a capillary-driven water-fed cooling system integrated with the MPH for PV panels.
- Performance evaluation of the cooling system under simulated intense heat flux conditions.
Main Results:
- The MPH exhibits a flexible structure with dynamic interparticle interfaces, mitigating drying-induced stress and inhomogeneous deformation.
- MPH demonstrates enhanced water molecule mobility and improved water absorption capacity compared to conventional hydrogels.
- The water-fed cooling system achieved a significant 26 °C temperature drop under 1000 W/m² heat flux.
- Sustained cooling performance was observed, outperforming natural convection.
Conclusions:
- The developed MPH offers a promising solution for durable and efficient thermal management in photovoltaic systems.
- The novel material strategy addresses key limitations of traditional hydrogels, paving the way for improved solar energy applications.
- This work highlights the potential of self-assembled hydrogels in enhancing the performance and longevity of solar energy technologies.
