Core-satellite assembly of phase-changing material microcapsules enabled with broadband light absorption and localized surface plasmonic resonance for effective photothermal energy harvesting

Abstract

To enhance the comprehensive photo-thermal energy accretion of the confined phase-changing materials (EPCM), engineered plasmonic nanoparticles (PG) and photosensitizer (PDA) were assimilated and structured in a core-satellite manner to form a highly active composite shell (DS-PDA/PG). In this communication, we devise a heterogeneous core-satellite assembly by the conjugation of the PCMs core and PG satellite assisted by a PDA arresting media. The constructed core-satellite can distinctly demonstrate superior photothermal performance compared to their respective precursor. This structural framework enunciates substantial improvement in photothermal energy conversion and heat dissipation mechanism due to the synergistic effect between the PG satellite and the PDA linker. Particularly, the heat channeling effect of PG nanoparticles onto the structured framework due to its localized surface plasmonic resonance (LSPR) mitigation which effectively dissipates heat to the encapsulating shell. The curated approach achieved a phase transition enthalpy of 139.20 J/g, with a thermal discrepancy of 28.89 ± 1.21 °C attaining an augmented photo to heat energy conversion efficiency of 96.95% due to wideband solar absorption and effective heat dissipation through the core-satellite assembly. The structured consolidation of PG and PDA was recognized to be a functional strategy that reinforce substantial improvements toward direct photo energy cultivation in an assortment of applications such as temperature management of greenhouses, solar water heating systems, solar cookers, and solar-thermal electricity generating systems. • A core-satellite assembly of PCM microcapsules was presented. • Broadband solar spectrum absorption on Uv–Vis–NIR range. • Efficient light to heat conversion through LSPR and molecule thermal vibration. • This work provides new insight into the PCM shell design for an effective solar-thermal conversion system. • Presented a new shell synergy insight for efficient light to the thermal conversion of EPCM.