| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 79349 | Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells | 2011 | 7 Pages |
The optical characterization is reported of a new fluid consisting of single-wall carbon nanohorns and ethylene glycol for solar energy applications. Carbon nanohorns play a significant role in enhancing sunlight absorption with respect to the pure base fluid. The obtained results are compared with those obtained for fluids suspending more conventional carbon forms, i.e. carbon-black particles. We found that nanohorn spectral features are far more favorable than those of amorphous carbon for the specific application. This result shows that carbon nanohorn-based nanofluids can be useful for increasing the efficiency and compactness of thermal solar devices, reducing both environmental impact and costs.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Single-wall carbon nanohorns (SWCNH) in glycol are optically characterized. ► SWCNH considerably enhance sunlight absorption properties of the base fluid. ► SWCNH-nanofluids are compared with more conventional carbon forms. ► SWCNH appear more promising for solar energy than amorphous carbon.
