Polymer-Ceramic Hybrid Composites for Lightweight Solar Thermal Collector Absorbers: Thermal Transport, Optical...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Renewable Energy Engineering
• Thermal Engineering

Background:

• Polymer-ceramic composites show promise for solar thermal collectors but face challenges like low thermal conductivity and poor durability.
• Current research often focuses solely on conductivity, neglecting the integrated performance in a collector system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review polymer-ceramic hybrid materials from a collector-centered perspective, linking composite properties to system-level performance.
• To present a structure-property-performance mapping approach for optimizing solar thermal collector components.

Main Methods:

• Examined ceramic fillers (boron nitride, aluminum nitride, silicon carbide, alumina) for thermal conduction and reliability.
• Evaluated carbon fillers (graphite, graphene nanoplatelets, carbon nanotubes) for heat spreading, solar absorption, and emissivity.
• Analyzed hybrid architectures and multilayer designs for balanced thermal transport and optical properties.

Main Results:

• A structure-property-performance mapping approach connects material properties (e.g., directional thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity) to collector outcomes (heat removal effectiveness, heat losses, stagnation).
• Ceramic fillers contribute to stable conduction networks and reliability, while carbon fillers enhance heat spreading and absorption.
• Hybrid ceramic-carbon architectures and multilayer designs show potential for balancing thermal and optical properties.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing polymer-ceramic composites requires a holistic approach, considering material properties' impact on overall collector performance and durability.
• Hybrid ceramic-carbon architectures and multilayer designs are promising for developing efficient, durable solar thermal absorber components.
• Addressing interfacial thermal resistance and outdoor exposure durability is crucial for widespread adoption.