Polymer Science Faculty Research

Title

Selective emitters for thermophotovoltaics: erbia-modified electrospun titania nanofibers

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2005

Abstract

Titania nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning and characterized with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The nanofibers were annealed to 773 K to achieve the anatase titania crystal structure, and to 1173 K to obtain the rutile phase. In order to create erbia-containing titania nanofibers, erbium (III) oxide particles were added to the pre-cursor solution before electrospinning. After pyrolysis the titania nanofibers supported and encapsulated the erbia particles. Temperature-dependent near-infrared emission spectra demonstrate that the erbia-containing nanofibers emit selectively in the range 6000–7000 cm−1. Because of their large surface to volume ratios and narrow-band optical emission, these nanofibers can be used as selective emitters for thermophotovoltaic applications.

Publication Title

Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells

Volume

85

Issue

4

First Page

477

Last Page

488

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