Tinite–Ceramic‐Inspired Solar‐Driven Thermoelectric Nanogenerator—Single Step toward Efficient Energy Harvesting

Abstract

One of the promising approaches is solar radiation and thermal energy can be converted into electricity using photothermoelectric materials. Ceramic‐inspired photothermoelectric materials are extensively researched in the quest for efficient and sustainable energy conversion technologies. Herein, the synthesis and utilization of titanium nitride (known as tinite–ceramic) nanoparticles used first in two specific applications are reported: solar‐driven thermoelectric nanogenerators and photothermal‐based evaporation applications. The nanogenerator is innovatively fabricated via a UV‐induced deposition technique. The tinite–ceramic possesses excellent solar absorption (92.5%) and subsequent photothermally converted heat (39.9 °C) under 1 kW m−2 solar irradiation for an effective solar energy harvesting candidate. The complimentary nanogenerator endows high carrier mobility and effective photothermal‐to‐electric energy conversion (short‐circuit current, Iout = 58.8 mA) under 2 kW m−2 solar irradiation. The switchable nanogenerator maintains its reproducibility under different cycles, tailoring its tunability under different solar irradiation. More interestingly, a tinite–ceramic‐inspired solar evaporator exhibits an evaporation rate of up to 2.02 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 kW m−2 solar irradiation. Titanite's dual functionality offers the potential to revolutionize how renewable energy sources are harnessed and utilized for environmentally friendly and sustainable energy production.