Selective radiation emitters consisting of black silicon and photonic crystal for thermophotovoltaic systems

Abstract

Highly radiative, wavelength-selective emitters are investigated for efficient Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) systems by integrating black silicon with a high-temperature one-dimensional photonic crystal (1D PC). The black silicon featuring a randomly distributed nanocolumn surface serves as an ideal black body emitter with high emissivity, while the 1D PC composed of alternating metal and dielectric layers provides spectral radiation selectivity and hence effectively suppresses radiation loss. Experimental results for 1D PC-integrated black silicon, fabricated using a scalable and potentially cost-effective method, show a two-fold improvement in spectral cut-off efficiency compared to pure black silicon. The robust operation under high-temperature conditions demonstrates its potential as a feasible emitter. Details of the design process, fabrication strategy, and quantitative characterization suggest the promising potential of combining ideal black silicon emitters with spectrally manageable photonic technology to advance TPV systems.