Light absorber preform solution and method for making the same
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies do not effectively utilize infrared light for widespread applications, and there is a need for absorbers that can efficiently absorb both infrared and sunlight.
Innovation Solution
A light absorber preform solution comprising a solvent, carbon nanotubes, and carbon particles, where the carbon nanotubes form a network structure trapping the carbon particles, is developed. This solution is sprayed onto objects to create a porous structure with enhanced light absorption capabilities across a wide wavelength range, including visible, near-infrared, and mid-infrared spectra.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional absorber materials are used, then manufacturing is simple, but light absorption efficiency across wide spectrum is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines carbon nanotubes and carbon particles to form a composite material system. The carbon nanotubes create a three-dimensional network structure that traps carbon particles, forming a composite absorber that achieves high absorption efficiency across visible and infrared spectra while maintaining manufacturability through solution processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the porous network structure formed by carbon nanotubes to trap carbon particles. This porous architecture increases the effective surface area and light-trapping capability, enabling high absorption efficiency across a broad spectrum while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
2Loss of energy
If absorber coating is applied, then light absorption improves, but hydrophobicity and self-cleaning capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface energy parameters of the absorber coating by incorporating hydrophobic components into the carbon-based material system. This parameter change enables the surface to exhibit super-hydrophobicity with contact angles exceeding 150 degrees, allowing water droplets to roll off and carry away contaminants, thus maintaining high absorption efficiency without soiling
3Manufacturing precision
If uniform coating is applied, then coverage is improved, but absorption uniformity across different angles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local quality variations in the coating structure through the random network arrangement of carbon nanotubes and carbon particles. This local structural diversity ensures that light incident from any angle encounters absorbing structures, achieving omnidirectional absorption performance while maintaining uniform coating application
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The light absorber achieves high absorption rates of up to 99.9% across the visible to mid-infrared spectrum, with omnidirectional absorption performance and excellent super-hydrophobic characteristics, enabling effective solar heat collection and stealth applications.
Implementation Method 1
The light absorber achieves high absorption rates of up to 99.9% across the visible to mid-infrared spectrum
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of carbon nanotubes form a network structure, and the plurality of carbon particles are located in the network structure
Implementation Method 3
excellent super-hydrophobic characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
A light absorber preform solution includes a solvent, a plurality of carbon nanotubes entangled with each other to form a network structure, and a plurality of carbon particles in the network structure. The plurality of carbon nanotubes and the plurality of carbon particles are in the solvent.