Can a broadband solar absorber improve photothermal conversion of sunlight?

However, the methods to achieve cost-effective light absorbers are still challenging. Here we present a perfect broadband solar absorber for efficient photothermal conversion of sunlight employing a low-cost ultraviolet laser-induced graphene (UV-LIG) prepared on a polymer material using the conventional direct laser writing method.

Can integrated solar absorbers be used for solar steam generation?

Integrative solar absorbers for highly efficient solar steam generation J. Mater. Chem. A, 6 ( 11) ( 2018), pp. 4642 - 4648, 10.1039/C7TA08256H Low-cost carbonized kelp for highly efficient solar steam generation Accelerated solar steam generation for efficient ions removal

What is an ideal solar absorber?

Ideal solar absorber is able to efficiently absorb (near-unity) sunlight (shaded red) and minimize energy dissipation through thermal radiation (blue dash line).

What makes a good solar-thermal absorber?

Therefore, from the ideal solar-thermal absorber design point of view, selective and almost total absorption across the entire solar spectrum, flexible tunability of the cut-off wavelength, and minimized excessive energy dissipation by thermal radiation in the near-IR (NIR) to mid-IR range are the essential factors.

What are the different types of light absorbers?

Because of the importance of the light absorber, all absorber types are studied which are graphene, graphite, carbon, carbon nanotube (CNT), carbonized wood, plants, polymers, and plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs). 2. History of solar steam generation

How much sunlight does a variety absorber absorb?

Surprisingly, around 100% absorption of sunlight has been reported ( He et al., 2020a, Xue et al., 2017 ). In addition to the variety absorbers, different architectures have been proposed to enhance the light harvesting, inhibit the heat losses, and desired water managing, giving rise to the WER.