MXene as a microstructural modifier in solar thermal absorber: a review

Solar thermal systems enhance wastewater treatment efficiency, preservation, and processing of agricultural produce, facilitating industrial/domestic heating and cooling. They provide cost-effective, green energy harvesting, storage, and conversion. However, the efficiency and durability of those devices largely depend on the quality of their absorbing medium. Hence, researchers channeled their focus toward enhancing their performance. This prompted the use of MXene for microstructural modification of solar thermal absorbers. MXene has shown outstanding photothermal conversion characteristics and excellent stability in strong alkaline and acidic solutions. Yet, recent literature reported lower efficiency in solar thermal systems. This review focuses on the latest microstructural modifications of the solar thermal absorber with MXene as a microstructural modifier, as well as their influence on thermal conductivity, strength, photothermal conversion, and corrosion characteristics. The study aims to find the root of the basic challenges in solar thermal systems (STSs) and to create opportunities for integration, processing, and manufacturing of a large and rapidly expanding family of STSs with improved characteristics and reliability in service. Previous studies reveal that the integration of 0.1 wt.%–7.5 wt.% MXene as a microstructural modifier significantly improved the thermal and corrosion properties in solar thermal systems employing nanofluids, phase-changing materials, and coatings. However, it is worth mentioning that there is no significant literature on the fabrication of MXene-reinforced metal matrix composites for solar thermal absorbers. The study highlights the benefits of powder metallurgy in fabricating MXene-reinforced metallic solar thermal absorbers and suggests exploring the potential of MXene in this previously unexplored area.

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