SOLAR ENERGY ABSORBING MATERIAL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

Abstract

The present invention describes a process for obtaining a solar absorber for the photothermal conversion of solar energy via a silver-block copolymer nanocomposite deposited on copper, followed by heat treatment at 200°C for 60 minutes. This easy-to-prepare and low-cost proposal achieves very low reflectance and high absorptance in the UV-Vis-NIR spectrum, as well as thermal stability of the absorber under ideal conditions for use in flat plate solar collectors operating at low temperatures (<100°C). The method for manufacturing a solar energy absorber material comprises the steps of: (i) mixing the α,ε-diol polyester-polyether block copolymer with silver nitrate (AgNO3); (ii) raising the temperature to 55-65°C for 25-35 minutes with stirring; (iii) depositing the silver nanoparticles onto a copper substrate; and (iv) subjecting it to heat treatment in the range of 200-250°C for 60-70 minutes.