The University of Rochester Institute of Optics research team recently made major breakthroughs in solar thermal generators (STEG) technology, developing a new black metal device with an efficiency of 15 times higher than existing top-sharp equipment, and was published in the journal "Light: Science and Applications" on August 12, 2025.
Leaded by Gao Chunlei, a professor of optics and physics at the Institute of Optics, Rochester University, the United States, uses innovative "black metal" materials to implement selected light absorption through flying second laser spectroscopy engineering and heat management, and capture various forms of heat energy and direct sunlight. These devices are composed of the thermal and cold sides of the separating semiconductor materials.
Guo Chunlei said that solar thermal generators are different from traditional photovoltaic batteries that rely on photovoltaic efficiency. They mainly use the heat generated by solar energy and use the temperature difference between the two sides to convert them into power through Seebeck effect. However, in the past, the efficiency of STE devices was less than 1%, which was far from the conversion efficiency of standard residential solar panels of about 20%.
Guo Chunlei pointed out that the research team has not changed the semiconductor materials, but focuses on structural improvements on the hot and cold sides. By improving solar light absorption and heat management, it has achieved a 15-fold increase in efficiency. This breakthrough will help promote the diversified development of solar energy and enhance energy autonomy, especially suitable for distributed and off-site energy applications, which will have important implications for future renewable energy structures.
Guo Chunlei shared that the research team used three innovative strategies, first of which is "black metal technology". The team used a modified "black metal" material on the hot side. Through the flying second laser spectrometer project, nanostructures were carved on the metal surface. These microstructures can selectively absorb specific wavelengths of solar light, and significantly improve light absorption, while reducing non-target heat loss.
Next is the "small heat chamber structure". The research team uses a piece of plastic to cover black metal to form a miniature heat chamber, reducing the heat loss and transmission, increasing the heat side temperature, and promoting the improvement of heat conversion efficiency; finally, the nanostructure of the cold side aluminium heater, which uses flying second laser light smear aluminium material to form a heat sink with a tiny structure, which strengthens the temperature difference between the two ends and doubles the cooling performance
Gao Chunlei said that solar thermal generator (STEG) technology can more effectively supply LEDs, power wireless sensors of the Internet, or even power wearable devices, or as an off-site renewable energy system in rural areas, which will help promote the diversified development of solar energy and enhance energy autonomy, especially suitable for distributed and off-site energy applications.
Solar Power Reimagined: New “Black Metal” Device Generates 15x More Electricity
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