Daily Current Affairs : 1-November-2023

Carbon nanoflorets, innovative structures resembling miniature marigold flowers composed entirely of carbon, have captivated researchers at IIT Bombay due to their exceptional ability to convert incident sunlight into heat with an astounding efficiency of 87%. This breakthrough discovery holds immense promise for various heat-related applications, ushering in a new era of sustainable energy utilization.

Synthesis Process:

The creation of carbon nanoflorets involves a meticulous synthesis process, meticulously designed by researchers at IIT Bombay:

  • Initiated with dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS), a specialized form of silicon dust.
  • Subjected the DFNS material to high temperatures in a furnace.
  • Introduced acetylene gas into the heated chamber, leading to the deposition of carbon onto the DFNS, transforming the material from white to black.
  • The resulting black powder was collected and further treated with a potent chemical, dissolving the DFNS and leaving behind carbon particles, forming the exquisite nanoflorets.
Remarkable Properties:

Carbon nanoflorets exhibit unique properties that contribute to their outstanding efficiency in absorbing sunlight and retaining generated heat:

  • Broad Spectrum Absorption: Unlike conventional materials, these nanoflorets can absorb sunlight across multiple frequencies, including infrared, visible light, and ultraviolet, maximizing their solar-thermal conversion potential.
  • Reduced Light Reflection: The specific cone-shaped structure of carbon nanoflorets minimizes light reflection, ensuring a substantial portion of incident sunlight is absorbed, enhancing their efficiency.
  • Long-Range Disorder: The nanoflorets incorporate long-range disorder within their structure, limiting the transmission of heat over extended distances, thereby minimizing heat dissipation and maximizing heat retention.
Potential Applications:

The remarkable efficiency of carbon nanoflorets opens the door to a plethora of applications:

  • Solar Thermal Systems: These nanoflorets can revolutionize solar thermal systems, enhancing their efficiency and making them more practical for widespread adoption.
  • Energy Storage: Carbon nanoflorets could serve as efficient energy storage materials, capturing and storing excess solar energy for later use.
  • Industrial Heat Processes: Industries requiring high-temperature heat processes could benefit from the exceptional heat retention capabilities of these nanoflorets, leading to energy savings and reduced environmental impact.
Important Points:
  • Carbon Nanoflorets Overview:
    • Unique structures resembling miniature marigold flowers made entirely of carbon.
    • Developed by IIT Bombay researchers.
    • Exceptional ability to convert incident sunlight into heat with 87% efficiency.
  • Synthesis Process:
    • Initiated with specialized silicon dust called DFNS (dendritic fibrous nanosilica).
    • Subjected DFNS material to high temperatures in a furnace.
    • Introduced acetylene gas, leading to carbon deposition onto DFNS.
    • Resulting black powder treated chemically, leaving behind carbon particles forming nanoflorets.
  • Remarkable Properties:
    • Broad Spectrum Absorption: Absorbs sunlight across infrared, visible light, and ultraviolet frequencies, maximizing solar-thermal conversion potential.
    • Reduced Light Reflection: Cone-shaped structure minimizes light reflection, enhancing absorption efficiency.
    • Long-Range Disorder: Incorporates disorder limiting heat transmission, reducing heat dissipation.
  • Potential Applications:
    • Solar Thermal Systems: Enhances efficiency, making solar thermal systems more practical for widespread adoption.
    • Energy Storage: Efficient energy storage material, capturing and storing excess solar energy.
    • Industrial Heat Processes: Benefits industries requiring high-temperature heat processes, leading to energy savings and reduced environmental impact.
Why In News

Carbon nanoflorets, developed by researchers at IIT Bombay, exhibit an impressive 87% efficiency in converting incident sunlight to heat, showcasing their potential for sustainable energy applications and paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in solar technology.

MCQs about Carbon Nanoflorets

  1. What is the primary factor contributing to the reduced light reflection in carbon nanoflorets?
    A) Broad Spectrum Absorption
    B) Cone-shaped Structure
    C) Long-Range Disorder
    D) High Temperatures
    Correct Answer: B) Cone-shaped Structure
    Explanation: The specific cone-shaped structure of carbon nanoflorets minimizes light reflection, ensuring a substantial portion of incident sunlight is absorbed, enhancing their efficiency.
  2. Which material is used as the base for synthesizing carbon nanoflorets?
    A) Graphene
    B) Silicon Dust (DFNS)
    C) Titanium Dioxide
    D) Aluminum Oxide
    Correct Answer: B) Silicon Dust (DFNS)
    Explanation: The synthesis process of carbon nanoflorets begins with a specialized silicon dust known as DFNS (dendritic fibrous nanosilica).
  3. What potential application is mentioned for carbon nanoflorets ?
    A) Enhancing Smartphone Displays
    B) Improving Car Engines
    C) Revolutionizing Solar Thermal Systems
    D) Developing Biodegradable Plastics
    Correct Answer: C) Revolutionizing Solar Thermal Systems
    Explanation: The carbon nanoflorets can revolutionize solar thermal systems, enhancing their efficiency and making them more practical for widespread adoption.

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