New “Black Metal” Device Generates 15x More Solar Electricity

New “Black Metal” Device Generates 15x More Solar Electricity
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Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new type of solar thermoelectric generator (STEG) that is 15 times more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity than current devices, SciTech Daily reported. The breakthrough, led by Professor Chunlei Guo, addresses the long-standing limitation of low efficiency in traditional STEGs, which convert less than 1% of sunlight into usable energy.

The team achieved this significant increase by focusing on the device’s hot and cold sides. They used femtosecond laser pulses to create a “black metal” on the hot side, which enhances the metal’s ability to absorb solar energy. They then covered this black metal with a plastic film to create a mini-greenhouse effect, trapping more heat. On the cold side, they used the same laser technology to create a heat sink that doubles cooling performance, improving heat dissipation.

The study, published in Light: Science and Applications, demonstrates how these new STEGs could be used to power various applications, including wireless sensors for the Internet of Things, wearable devices, and off-grid renewable energy systems in rural areas. The research was supported by the National Science Foundation and other institutions.