Tinite-Ceramic-Inspired Solar-Driven Thermoelectric Nanogenerator-Single Step toward Efficient Energy Harvesting

One of the promising approaches is solar radiation and thermal energy can be converted into electricity using photothermoelectric materials. Ceramic-inspired photothermoelectric materials are extensively researched in the quest for efficient and sustainable energy conversion technologies. Herein, the synthesis and utilization of titanium nitride (known as tinite-ceramic) nanoparticles used first in two specific applications are reported: solar-driven thermoelectric nanogenerators and photothermal-based evaporation applications. The nanogenerator is innovatively fabricated via a UV-induced deposition technique. The tinite-ceramic possesses excellent solar absorption (92.5%) and subsequent photothermally converted heat (39.9 degrees C) under 1 kW m-2 solar irradiation for an effective solar energy harvesting candidate. The complimentary nanogenerator endows high carrier mobility and effective photothermal-to-electric energy conversion (short-circuit current, Iout = 58.8 mA) under 2 kW m-2 solar irradiation. The switchable nanogenerator maintains its reproducibility under different cycles, tailoring its tunability under different solar irradiation. More interestingly, a tinite-ceramic-inspired solar evaporator exhibits an evaporation rate of up to 2.02 kg m-2 h-1 under 1 kW m-2 solar irradiation. Titanite's dual functionality offers the potential to revolutionize how renewable energy sources are harnessed and utilized for environmentally friendly and sustainable energy production. Inspired by tinite-ceramic, our innovative solar-driven thermoelectric nanogenerator marks a significant stride in efficient energy harvesting. Mimicking nature's design, our devices seamlessly convert solar heat into electrical power and steam generation in a single step, offering a streamlined approach to enhance energy conversion efficiency and pave the way for a greener future.image (c) 2023 WILEY-VCH GmbH