Enhancement of solar energy absorption using a plasmonic nanofluid based on TiO₂/Ag composite nanoparticles

Abstract

Combined with the solar irradiation spectrum, the optical properties of both TiO 2 /Ag composite nanoparticles and water-based nanofluids composed of different nanoparticles are studied. The solar energy absorption features are compared among these nanofluids based on TiO 2 , Ag and TiO 2 /Ag composite nanoparticles. Due to the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect excited on the Ag surface, the optical absorption of TiO 2 /Ag plasmonic nanofluid is remarkably enhanced. The enhanced absorption by LSPR excitation is introduced in solar thermal conversion. The photothermal experiments of different nanofluids conducted under the same conditions reveal that TiO 2 /Ag plasmonic nanofluid exhibits a higher temperature compared with that of TiO 2 based nanofluid. Although the temperatures of Ag nanofluid and TiO 2 /Ag nanofluid are the same, the cost of TiO 2 /Ag based nanofluid is much lower. The effect of nanoparticle concentration on the photothermal performance of TiO 2 /Ag plasmonic nanofluid is also studied in this paper.

Investigation of optical absorption and photothermal conversion characteristics of binary CuO/ZnO nanofluids

“…10 Therefore, how to efficiently absorb and utilize solar energy has become a focus for many researchers. [11][12][13] Photothermal conversion is the simplest way to utilize solar energy by using absorption device to convert absorbed solar energy directly into the heat energy. [14][15][16] As for nanouid formed by the stable dispersion of nanoparticles in base liquid, the capture and absorption ability on the incident light will be enhanced due to the enhancement of light scattering from the nanoparticles and the increment of light path of the photon.…”

Performance Analysis of a Louvered Fin Automotive Radiator Using Hybrid Nanofluid as Coolant

“…Heat capacity rate of air can be expressed as [19] C a = a u a H c W c c p,a (6) where surface temperature effectiveness has been calculated by using the fin efficiency, which is given by, f = tanh ml ml (7) where for a louvered fin…”

EFFECT OF Ag NANOPARTICLE ON THE PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITY OF TIO2 NANOTUBES

“…This process significantly reduces the possibility of recombination electron-hole pairs, resulting in efficient separation and photocatalytic property will be improved [26]. Besides the presence of Ag nanoparticles on the surface of TNTs, Ag-TNTs help extend the absorption wavelength to a visible-light region, enhanced photocatalytic features through surface plasmon resonance [27]. This result also shows that effective absorption depends on the content of silver, if the amount is lower than 5 % Ag (Ag-TNTs-1 form), the Ag will act as recombination centers electron-hole pairs; whereas if the amount exceeds 5 % Ag (Ag-TNTs-3 form), the apperance of Ag molecules on the surface of the TNTs will constitute barriers limit the light absorption efficiency of TNTs reduces splitting electron-hole pairs.…”