NANOSPLIT reports on the synthesis of plasmonic silver metal with ZnO nanoparticles utilising simple wet chemical techniques. The hybrid material has good spectral splitting capabilities, which are employed in photovoltaic cells to gather visible light and convert it into electricity. Through the filtering of UV and infrared radiation, the limited transparency bandwidth (400-1000 nm) also contributes to heat absorption. The water-based Ag-ZnO nanofluids were evaluated using optical transmission measurements, whilst Ag-ZnO hybrid nanomaterials were investigated in terms of structure, morphology, and chemical composition, which contributed to confirming the reported optical properties with those of the material. The published preliminary results may help shed additional insight on the optical and thermal mechanisms that give rise to spectral beam splitting (SBS). Ag nanostructures exhibit localised surface plasmons in the visible range (400 nm), ZnO band edge absorption above 375 nm, and infrared absorption (IR absorption, especially for low-energy photons). The selection of the nanofluid filter parameters, such as the type, size, mass fraction, and base fluid type of the nanoparticles, requires further work. However, the results are promising in terms of demonstrating a spectral beam-splitting composition that is environmentally friendly, benign, and inexpensive. The nanofluids showed remarkable spectrum selectivity in the UV and IR bands, which were absorbed or reflected, respectively. A high transmittance was found in the visible area, promoting higher PV cell efficiencies.
The outcomes of this initiative are being prepared for publication in key scientific journals. The results were also presented to the scientific community at recognised conferences such as ECOS2023 and ASME-ES-2023. The fellow participated in events like the Great Exhibition Road Festival, European Researchers' Night, and British Science Week. The fellow gave four speeches that were invited. In addition, the fellow has been actively promoting initiatives on social media (ResearchGate, Twitter) to both the public and other scientists. The impact of publishing the fellowship findings will be increased by utilising this internet presence even further.
