Tantalum diboride-based ceramics for bulk solar absorbers

Year: 2014

Authors: Sciti D., Silvestroni L., Sans J-L., Mercatelli L., Meucci M., Sani E.

Autors Affiliation: CNR-ISTEC, Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics, Via Granarolo 64, I-48018 Faenza, Italy; CNR-INO National Institute of Optics, Largo E. Fermi, 6, I-50125 Firenze, Italy; PROMES-CNRS Processes, Materials and Solar Energy Laboratory, 7 rue du Four Solaire, 66120 Font Romeu, France

Abstract: Ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs) are the ideal material for extreme conditions thanks to very high melting points, high refractoriness and good thermo-mechanical properties at high temperatures. This paper reports, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, on the microstructural and optical characterization of several tantalum diboride (TaB2) samples with density values from 67% to full density. Pristine samples have been investigated at room temperature by means of SEM, XRD and spectral hemispherical reflectance measurements. Thermal emittance in the temperature range 1050-1800 K has been measured. Structural, compositional and optical properties after high temperature exposure have been characterized as well and property changes have been explained. The obtained results favorably compare TaB2 over conventional solar absorbers for novel solar plants operating at higher temperatures. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Journal/Review: SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS

Volume: 130      Pages from: 208  to: 216

More Information: Authors are grateful to Mr. Mauro Pucci and Mr. Massimo D\’Uva (INO-CNR) and to C. Melandri and D. Dalle Fabbriche (ISTEC-CNR) for technical assistance. High temperature measurements were possible with financial support by the Access to Research Infrastructures activity in the 7th Framework Programme of the EU (SFERA Grant Agreement no. 228296). Authors thank the PROMES Director and PROMES Researchers for the use of facilities.
KeyWords: Borides; Ceramic materials; Mechanical properties; Optical properties; Solar energy; Tantalum; Optical properties; Solar absorbers, After high temperature; Concentrating solar power; Emittances; Hemispherical reflectance; Optical characterization; Solar plant; Thermomechanical properties; Ultra-high-temperature ceramics, Solar absorbers; Borides
DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2014.07.012

Citations: 41
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