Highly Stretchable, Robust, and Floatable Broadband Light Absorber of Carbon Nanotubes–Ecoflex Composite on 3D Mogul‐Pattern for Photothermal Conversion

Addressing the need for efficient and durable photothermal materials, this study presents a novel composite material composed of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) embedded in an Ecoflex matrix with a 3D mogul pattern. This material enhances photothermal effects and is engineered for highly stretchable, durable, and floatable broadband light absorption. Combining CNT‐based inherent light absorption and the 3D mogul pattern with micro‐cavities effectively captures a broad spectrum of light from ultraviolet (UV) to near‐infrared (NIR) of (250–1500) nm, achieving an average absorption of 98%. Uniform CNT distribution in Ecoflex elastomer on the 3D mogul pattern reduces stress concentration, ensuring a robust, elastic platform. This platform withstands stretching, deformation, intense pulsed light, and salt‐aging without compromising optical properties across the UV–vis–NIR range. Under a 1‐sun solar simulator, the structure's photothermal effect is evident, reaching 74.6 °C. The floatable nature of the composite makes it ideal for solar desalination, achieving a 0.52 kg m −2 h −1 evaporation rate under 1‐sun. Furthermore, the curved CNT–Ecoflex mogul structure embedded in ice melts within 30 min under 2 sun exposure, regaining its flat, stable form. This multifunctional material offers high mechanical resilience, excellent light absorption, and versatile deployment for renewable energy harvesting and environmental sustainability.

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Publication Details

Journal
Energy Technology
Published
2025-04-03
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/ente.202402169
Citations
4
Primary Topic
Solar-Powered Water Purification Methods
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.45

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article

Highly Stretchable, Robust, and Floatable Broadband Light Absorber of Carbon Nanotubes–Ecoflex Composite on 3D Mogul‐Pattern for Photothermal Conversion

Thuy‐Kieu Truong, Chang‐Min Yoon, Jinsung Rho, Hongseok Youn et al.
4 citations
Energy Technology
Solar-Powered Water Purification Methods
1.45
article

Highly Stretchable, Robust, and Floatable Broadband Light Absorber of Carbon Nanotubes–Ecoflex Composite on 3D Mogul‐Pattern for Photothermal Conversion

Thuy‐Kieu Truong, Chang‐Min Yoon, Jinsung Rho, Hongseok Youn, Jeoung Han Kim, Young‐Durk Park, Thi Tu Linh To
article en
4 citations

Abstract

Addressing the need for efficient and durable photothermal materials, this study presents a novel composite material composed of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) embedded in an Ecoflex matrix with a 3D mogul pattern. This material enhances photothermal effects and is engineered for highly stretchable, durable, and floatable broadband light absorption. Combining CNT‐based inherent light absorption and the 3D mogul pattern with micro‐cavities effectively captures a broad spectrum of light from ultraviolet (UV) to near‐infrared (NIR) of (250–1500) nm, achieving an average absorption of 98%. Uniform CNT distribution in Ecoflex elastomer on the 3D mogul pattern reduces stress concentration, ensuring a robust, elastic platform. This platform withstands stretching, deformation, intense pulsed light, and salt‐aging without compromising optical properties across the UV–vis–NIR range. Under a 1‐sun solar simulator, the structure's photothermal effect is evident, reaching 74.6 °C. The floatable nature of the composite makes it ideal for solar desalination, achieving a 0.52 kg m −2 h −1 evaporation rate under 1‐sun. Furthermore, the curved CNT–Ecoflex mogul structure embedded in ice melts within 30 min under 2 sun exposure, regaining its flat, stable form. This multifunctional material offers high mechanical resilience, excellent light absorption, and versatile deployment for renewable energy harvesting and environmental sustainability.

Energy TechnologyVol. 13(9)
Hanbat National University (KR)
Hebei North University, National Research Foundation, Ministry of Education, National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Education, India
Openalex Percentile: Top 19%
Solar-Powered Water Purification Methods
1.45
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