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Scientists at IIT Bombay have successfully synthesized an ultra-black carbon nanostructure called carbon nanoflorets that have the ability to efficiently absorb sunlight across multiple frequencies. The researchers began with a white material called dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS) and heated it in a furnace before introducing acetylene gas. This process resulted in the deposition of carbon on the DFNS, turning it black. The team then treated the material with a chemical to dissolve the DFNS, leaving behind spherical nanostructures composed of carbon cones resembling marigold flowers.

In their experiments, the researchers found that the carbon nanoflorets had an unprecedented efficiency in converting absorbed sunlight into heat with an efficiency of 87%. This high efficiency is attributed to the material’s ability to absorb three frequencies of sunlight (infrared, visible light, and ultraviolet) compared to other materials that only absorb visible and ultraviolet light. The carbon cones of the nanoflorets also minimize reflection, ensuring that most of the light is internally reflected, and prevent extensive heat dissipation due to long-range disorder in the material’s structure.

The researchers have reported that a 1 square meter coating of carbon nanoflorets on a surface could vaporize 5 liters of water in an hour, making it at least five times more efficient than commercial solar stills. They have also applied for a patent for the nanoflorets and are considering commercializing the technology.

The potential applications of the carbon nanoflorets are vast. They can be coated on various surfaces such as paper, metal, and terracotta clay, making them suitable for heating homes in an environmentally-friendly manner and sterilizing surfaces in hospitals. Furthermore, the low-cost and sustainable nature of carbon makes it an ideal choice for widespread adoption of this technology.

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