Optical properties of hybrid plasmonic nanofluid based on core/shell nanoparticles

The plasmonic effect is used in nanofluid to help capture and absorb sunlight. The optical absorption is significantly enhanced as plasmonic effect excited. To obtain an enhanced absorption in a broad band, the hybrid plasmonic nanofluid is developed. It is composed of core/shell nanoparticles of different sizes. The overall absorption of hybrid nanofluid is examined. Compared to the nanofluid of single particle size, the hybrid nanofluid exhibits a broadband absorption. As particle size increases, the plasmon resonance peak is shifted to longer wavelength. The variation in the sizes of core/shell nanoparticles can broaden the absorption spectrum. In the near-infrared region, the proportion of different size particles has an obvious influence. With the increase of proportion of larger particles, the absorption band is broadened. Since the suspended nanoparticles have different sizes, the particle distribution in base fluid also has an effect on absorption of light. The large particle in upper has a broadband absorption, however, less energy can be transmitted to lower after the absorption of upper particles. The contribution from the particles in lower is relatively weak.