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A Promising Selective Emitter Ho(Ta1-xNbx)O4 with Enhanced Performance for Thermophotovoltaic Applications
Jingxuan Zheng1,2, Xiaoping Zheng1, Yafeng Shu2,3
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Civil and Hydraulic Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou, Gansu730050, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed novel selective emitters using a simple solid-state reaction for efficient thermophotovoltaic systems. These emitters show high spectral efficiency and structural stability for advanced energy conversion.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Energy Conversion
- Solid-State Chemistry
Background:
- Selective emitters are crucial for efficient thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems.
- Simultaneous spectral matching and simplified fabrication of these emitters remain challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate high-performance selective emitters for TPV systems.
- To investigate the effect of Nb5+ doping on the properties of HoTaO4 emitters.
- To enhance spectral efficiency and structural stability for energy conversion.
Main Methods:
- Solid-state reaction of Ho2O3 and Ta2O5 to synthesize Ho(Ta1-xNbx)O4.
- First-principles calculations to tune electronic structure and optical bandgap.
- Experimental characterization of spectral efficiency, power density, and microstructural stability.
Main Results:
- Nb5+ doping induced lattice distortion and reduced bandgap, enhancing Ho3+ 4f-4f transitions.
- Optimized emitter achieved 47.59% spectral efficiency at 1573 K.
- Demonstrated peak power density of 9.65 W cm-2 and figure of merit of 28.02% with InGaAsSb cells.
- Exhibited low thermal conductivity (3.74 W m-1 K-1) and suppressed grain growth for excellent microstructural stability.
Conclusions:
- The study provides an effective strategy for designing high-performance selective emitters.
- Ho(Ta1-xNbx)O4 emitters offer a promising solution for advanced energy conversion and waste heat recovery.
- Simplified fabrication via solid-state reaction combined with enhanced performance makes these materials industrially relevant.
