Effect of Al2O3 ALD coating on thermal stability of silica aerogel

An optically transparent and thermally insulating (OTTI) silica aerogel demonstrates promising results for various solar thermal applications, particularly concentrated power systems. Higher system efficiency can be achieved by integrating OTTI materials reducing heat loss at higher receiver temperature. However, the stability of aerogels has been one limiting factors. Here, we report that Al2O3 atomic layer deposition (ALD) enhances aerogel. The more layers ALD coating on aerogels, stability. compromises transmittance due to increasing size scattering centers. Therefore, optimization needs performed enhance performance a system. demonstrated ALD-coated provides potential pathway further improve reduce cost state-of-the-art concentrating (CSP)