Central Idea

Scientists at IIT Bombay have achieved a groundbreaking development by creating a material known as Nanostructured Hard-Carbon Florets (NCF).
This innovative material boasts an unparalleled solar-thermal conversion efficiency, surpassing 87%.

What is Nanostructured Hard-Carbon Florets (NCF)?

NCF Development: It is a material capable of absorbing and storing an exceptional amount of heat energy.
Stunning Efficiency: It exhibits an extraordinary solar-thermal conversion efficiency of over 87%, absorbing more than 97% of sunlight’s ultraviolet, visible, and infrared components.
NCF Manufacturing: The material is manufactured through chemical vapor deposition, making it easily scalable and suitable for large-scale production.

NCF’s success lies in its unique structure, resembling interconnected carbon cones.
This structure combines high photon thermalization (efficiently converting light into heat) with low phonon thermal conductivity (retaining heat without loss).

Wide Range: NCF can be applied to diverse surfaces, including paper, elastomer, metal, and terracotta clay, making it adaptable for various contexts.
Versatility: The generated heat can be efficiently transferred to air or water, making NCF ideal for smoke-free space heating, particularly beneficial in cold regions like Leh and Ladakh.
Eco-Friendly and Cost-Effective: Unlike conventional coatings based on heavy metals like chromium (Cr) or nickel (Ni), NCF coatings do not harm the environment

Heating Rooms and Spaces: Hollow copper tubes coated with NCF can heat air to over 72 degrees Celsius, demonstrating potential applications in space heating.
Efficient Water Vapor Conversion: NCFs have achieved an astonishing water vapor conversion efficiency of 186%, surpassing commercial solar stills.
Sustainable Energy Solution: This groundbreaking technology provides a green solution to the global energy crisis, supporting the transition to sustainable energy sources.
Commercialization and Recognition: The project is on the path to commercialization through the establishment of a company at IIT Bombay’s Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. It has received accolades and support, highlighting its potential to revolutionize the solar-thermal energy market in India and contribute to decarbonization.