Abstract:
A variety of complex and expensive techniques, which usually work
efficiently in the visible range only, have been developed to make a near-perfect
blackbody. In this work, novel hierarchical dandelion-like flower carbon nanostructure
(FCNTs) are synthesized by using a two-step growth protocol. FCNTs show nearperfect absorption of ≥99.9% in the wavelength range of 300−2000 nm at varying beam
angles (10° to 60°). Coupled with the emissivity of 0.98, FCNTs are qualified as one of
the darkest artificial materials. The observed behavior originates from multiple scattering
and subsequent trapping of incident beam inside the FCNT microstructure. The contact
angle (172°) and roll-off angle (2°) of water droplets reveal the superhydrophobic and
self-cleaning behavior of the fabricated surface. The combination of properties
demonstrated by FCNTs are envisaged to be a significant step toward developing
better materials for stray light absorption and a light trapping layer in a photovoltaic
system.
