Efficient photo-thermal conversion using Pt nanofluid prepared by laser ablation in liquid

Abstract

Pt-nanofluids with localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) property were environmentally-friendly prepared using the laser ablation in liquids (LAL) while H 2 O acts as a working fluid. Based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the obtained Pt nanoparticles have an average diameter of 6 nm which were strongly surrounded with H 2 O molecules, leading to excellent longtime durability. Moreover, fluorescence spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy images indicated that the prepared sample has fluorescence property that makes it capable to absorb more light and then, to convert it to heat. The Pt-nanofluids were applied for light to heat conversion. After several continuous heating/cooling cycles, the prepared nanofluids did not lose their efficiency in terms of light to heat conversion. In addition, the potential of the Pt-nanofluids in harvesting solar energy was investigated. The infrared thermographs proved that the upper layer temperature of the Pt-nanofluids reached > 49 °C after 60 min light illumination, under ≅ 0.9 Sun intensity. The obtained results proved that the prepared Pt-nanofluids have outstanding advantages, consist of fast, simple, and green synthesis method, no necessity for dispersant, high thermal-stability, long-time stability, and high performance in photo-thermal conversion. So, the Pt-nanofluids have high capability for practical solar energy utilization. • Pt-nanofluids were synthesized via one step and fast LAL method. • Pt-nanofluids used for photo-thermal conversion for consecutive cycles without losing its performance. • The prepared Pt-nanofluids have long life and thermal stability. • Pt-nanofluids used for solar energy harvesting.