Solar panels could soon be obsolete since researchers at the University of Basque County (EHU) have mentioned a new material that absorbs 99.5% of light at 700°C. This unbelievable revelation focuses on ultrablack copper cobaltate nanoneedles, which go beyond the performance of conventional carbon nanotubes. A wonderful aspect of these copper cobaltate nanoneedles is that they can handle extreme temperatures and, in the process, touch on the concept of concentrated solar power (CSP) technology, which will soon steal the limelight from traditional solar panels.
The findings of these ultrablack copper cobaltate nanoneedles
The Thermophysical Properties of Materials Group at the university was led by a few scientists: Gabriel A. López, Iñigo González de Arrieta, and Telmo Echániz. The researchers noted that copper cobaltate nanoneedles managed to achieve thermal performance. Maximal thermal performance was ensured when the copper cobaltate nanoneedles were coated with zinc oxide. The most noteworthy feature of the material was that it could absorb about 99.5% of incident light. This means that the new material is a highly effective solar absorber.
With carbon nanotubes, the material tends to absorb about 99% of light, but it tends to lose some of its efficiency due to heat and high humidity. This fact made the copper cobaltate nanoneedles all the more effective, even when temperatures increased beyond 700°C. Copper cobaltate nanoneedles can effectively be placed in solar towers. The reason why copper cobaltate nanoneedles are all the more effective is that they increase energy capture whilst also ensuring that materials do not degrade easily.
Transitioning from carbon nanotubes to copper cobaltate nanoneedles
By utilizing the right material, solar infrastructure can become rather cost-effective over time. While carbon nanotubes were also seen as being ideal for solar capture, they could not be used in solar towers for too long. Heat, as well as humidity, severely impacted the duration for which these panels lasted.
Copper cobaltate (CuCo₂O₄) needles can address the problems faced by carbon nanotubes. The needles are oxidation-resistant and are able to thrive even when under high thermal stress. Being lightly doped with zinc oxide, the overall integrity of zinc oxide improves. The traditional coating of solar panels captures 95% of light, while copper cobaltate nanoneedles absorb 99.5% of the light. The difference may seem small; however, more energy loss is prevented if the copper cobaltate nanoneedles are installed in large solar arrays or installations.
Solar panels may become obsolete with this new era of solar power
With solar panels becoming obsolete, people are being introduced to an entirely new era of concentrated solar power (CSP), which promises the thermal energy storage advantage. With CSP, power can be generated after the sun has set. The research team has provided a way to enhance CSP efficiency with the introduction of this new coating technology. The introduction of a new material could mean solar infrastructure with a longer lifespan, more efficient absorption possibilities, and better heat retention.
Researchers are, however, not just stopping there. Researchers are looking to refine nanocoatings and introduce nanocoatings with better conductivity, creating the next era for photovoltaic cells and solar power. We are saying goodbye to solar panels as we have come to know them, as the future is this material.
Moving beyond nanotubes towards nanostructures
The discovery by the university’s research team could alter how we choose to capture the energy of the sun over the next few years. Although nanotubes somewhat did the job of absorbing much sunlight, the research team is proposing that we move beyond the nanotubes and choose nanostructures. We will soon be introducing an entirely new era of solar technologies for a far more sustainable future. As we move beyond nanotubes towards nanostructures, solar panels may not become obsolete, but we are surely saying goodbye to solar panels.
