Engineers at the University of California, San Diego, have developed a next-generation solar absorber material capable of converting more than 90% of captured sunlight into heat. Unlike traditional solar panels, which generate electricity directly, this material is designed for thermal energy applications and could drastically improve the performance of concentrated solar power (CSP) systems. It features a complex, multiscale surface structure made up of ceramic-metal nanoparticles, with sizes ranging from 10 nanometers to 10 micrometers. This structure not only enhances light absorption across a wide range of wavelengths but also maintains stability at temperatures above 700°C. Importantly, it remains durable under harsh environmental conditions, retaining performance for years without degradation.
What sets this material apart is its potential for dual impact: powering clean energy systems while also making buildings more energy-efficient. In CSP systems, it can store thermal energy, allowing for power generation even after sunset—something traditional photovoltaics can’t do. Furthermore, its efficiency and heat-retaining properties make it ideal for integration into building designs, such as in passive solar heating systems, industrial process heating, or retrofitting power plants that rely on steam turbines. Researchers see this as a major leap forward for both renewable energy infrastructure and the construction of climate-resilient, low-carbon buildings. More