Graphene Microflower by Photothermal Marangoni-Induced Fluid Instability for Omnidirectional Broadband Photothermal Conversion

Abstract

2-D carbon-based materials are well-known for their broadband absorption properties for efficient solar energy conversion. However, their high reflectivity poses a challenge for achieving efficient omnidirectional light absorption. Inspired by the multilevel structures of the flower, a Graphene Microflower (GM) material with gradient refractive index surface was fabricated on polymer substrates using the UV-intense laser-induced phase explosion technique under the synergistic design of the photothermal Marangoni effect and the fluid instability principle. The refractive index gradient reduces light reflection and absorbs at least 96% of light at incident angles of 0–60° across the entire solar wavelength range (200–2500 nm). Over 90% absorption even at 75° angle of incidence. The light absorption is enhanced by the multiple interferometric phase cancelation and localized surface plasmon resonance, resulting in a steady-state temperature 60 °C higher than ambient conditions under one solar irradiation. The max rate of temperature rise can reach up to 62 °C s^–1. The device is then integrated at the hot end of the temperature difference generator at high altitude to ensure continuous and efficient power generation, producing a steady-state power of 196 mW.