An electrophoretic-deposited low-cost carbon nanotube (CNT) thermophotovoltaic emitter

Abstract

We use electrophoresis technique to deposit a low-cost carbon nanotube (CNT) film on tantalum (Ta) for thermophotovoltaic (TPV) emitters. The initial thermal measurement of the EPD-CNT film from 200 degrees C-800 degrees C is conducted. The elimination of high-temperature CVD deposition facilitates the commercialization of TPV devices. The UV-VIS-NIR spectrum and high-temperature FTIR measurement are reported to assess the feasibility of EPD-CNT as a TPV emitter candidate. The planarized nature of the proposed emitter can be easily integrated with dielectric multi-layer filter for spectral shaping depending on applications.