Unraveling the optoelectronic properties of CoSbx intrinsic selective solar absorber towards high-temperature surfaces.

The combination of the ability to absorb most of the solar radiation and simultaneously suppress infrared re-radiation allows selective solar absorbers (SSAs) to maximize solar energy to heat conversion, which is critical to several advanced applications. The intrinsic spectral selective materials are rare in nature and only a few demonstrated complete solar absorption. Typically, intrinsic materials exhibit high performances when integrated into complex multilayered solar absorber systems due to their limited spectral selectivity and solar absorption. In this study, we propose CoSb_x (2 < x < 3) as a new exceptionally efficient SSA. Here we demonstrate that the low bandgap nature of CoSb_x endows broadband solar absorption (0.96) over the solar spectral range and simultaneous low emissivity (0.18) in the mid-infrared region, resulting in a remarkable intrinsic spectral solar selectivity of 5.3. Under 1 sun illumination, the heat concentrates on the surface of the CoSb_x thin film, and an impressive temperature of 101.7 °C is reached, demonstrating the highest value among reported intrinsic SSAs. Furthermore, the CoSb_x was tested for solar water evaporation achieving an evaporation rate of 1.4 kg m⁻² h⁻¹. This study could expand the use of narrow bandgap semiconductors as efficient intrinsic SSAs with high surface temperatures in solar applications. The efficiency of CoSb_x (where 2 < x < 3) as a selective solar absorber is investigated. Here, authors demonstrate that CoSbx endows broadband solar absorption (0.96) and simultaneous low emissivity (0.18), making it a promising material for use in solar energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]