All-weather photothermal-electric conversion system with multimodal modulation based on an MXene patterned...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Energy Harvesting
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Addressing the need for continuous renewable energy generation.
• Energy storage limitations hinder consistent power supply.
• Photothermal-electric conversion offers a promising alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a storage-free, all-weather photothermal-electric generator.
• To enhance solar absorption and radiative cooling capabilities.
• To enable 24-hour electricity generation.

Main Methods:

• Integration of MXene-patterned absorber/emitter with VO2 phase-change material.
• Utilizing localized surface plasmon resonance for broadband absorption.
• Implementing self-adaptive spectral transitions for day/night operation.

Main Results:

• Achieved broadband solar absorption and efficient radiative cooling.
• Demonstrated dynamic switching between low-emittance and high-emittance modes.
• Obtained daytime power density of 2508 mW/m² and nighttime output of 47 mW/m².
• Confirmed stable performance under wide angles and polarization.

Conclusions:

• The MXene-patterned self-adaptive absorber/emitter enables continuous, storage-free photothermal-electric power generation.
• The system is effective for all-weather energy harvesting.
• This technology provides a scalable platform for off-grid energy solutions.