Dual-functional carbon material possessing light absorption and heat conduction & energy storage

Abstract

Solar energy has become a prominent and viable green alteration due to its accessibility, low pollution levels, and sustainable features. Recent advancements have highlighted the importance of developing photothermal materials that utilize polymer phase-change materials, which are critical for enhancing photothermal conversion efficiency. Through comprehensive simulation analyses of the model design, we have developed a novel material featuring a dual-function structure to meet the increasing demand for efficient energy conversion and storage in solar applications. SiCNWs aerogels were successfully prepared using the directional freeze-drying method, with carbon nanowall and nano-crystalline diamonds deposited on the top and bottom sides, respectively, by chemical vapor deposition. With the infusion of polyethylene glycol into the diamond side, a novel dual-function material, CNW&ND@S-A/PEG, was successfully prepared. The top layer of the dual-function material has light absorption close to 92% in the visible light band, while the bottom layer has a thermal conductivity and enthalpy of 1.13 W/(m·K) and 157.0 J/g, which are 706% more and 16.46% less than that of pure PEG, respectively. Our work elucidates the significant role of the diamond skeleton in enhancing thermal conduction, as substantiated by theoretical and finite element calculations. The dual-function material’s adaptability was rigorously validated by simulating practical application scenarios across a spectrum of thermal conditions, including standard, high, and low temperatures. These findings underscore the material’s efficacy in providing thermal protection for electronic devices. Consequently, the results offer a robust framework for developing photothermal materials and introduce an innovative paradigm for thermal management strategies in electronic applications, particularly under extreme environmental conditions.