01 Nov 2023 Carbon Nano Florets
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “ Carbon Nano Florets”. This topic has relevance in the Science and technology section of the UPSC CSE exam.
For Prelims:
About Carbon Nano Florets?
Special properties of Nano Florets?
For Mains:
GS 3: Science and technology
Significance of Nano Florets?
Why in the news?
Scientists at IIT Bombay have successfully created particles that can absorb sunlight at three different frequencies and convert it into heat with an impressive efficiency rate of 87%
About Carbon Nano Florets:
- The potential for revolutionizing solar energy conversion lies within the carbon nanostructure. Scientists initiated their research using dendritic fibrous nanosilica (DFNS), a white material, and engineered it into the deepest black carbon nanoflorets.
- In the process of creating these carbon nanoflorets, DFNS powder was subjected to heat in a furnace while being exposed to acetylene gas within the chamber. The transformation from white to black signified the deposition of carbon onto the DFNS.
- Upon the dissolution of the DFNS using a potent chemical, what remained were carbon cone-shaped spherical nanostructures. These nanoflorets take on the appearance of diminutive marigold flowers.
Special properties of Nano Florets:
- The distinctive characteristics of carbon nanoflorets include their unparalleled capacity to absorb sunlight across various frequencies and convert it into heat with remarkable effectiveness.
- These nanoflorets exhibit the exceptional ability to absorb infrared, visible, and ultraviolet light, setting them apart from conventional materials for solar-thermal conversion, which typically only absorb visible and ultraviolet light.
- Their conical structure serves to minimize reflection, ensuring maximum light absorption by allowing most incident light to be internally reflected.
- Moreover, the nanoflorets feature long-range disorder, which hinders heat dissipation over extended distances, thus facilitating efficient heat retention.
Significance of Nano Florets:
- This material is poised for commercialization due to the cost-effectiveness of carbon and the sustainable heat generation capabilities of nanoflorets, eliminating the need for burning fossil fuels.
- A single square meter of carbon nanofloret coating has the remarkable capacity to vaporize 5 liters of water per hour, surpassing the performance of conventional commercial solar stills. This breakthrough opens the door to sustainable solutions for heating residential spaces and sterilizing hospital surfaces without dependence on fossil fuels.
- With its diverse array of potential applications and minimal environmental footprint, this material holds the potential to make a substantial impact in the realm of renewable energy.
Q.1 Consider the following statements about carbon nanoflorets:
- Carbon nanoflorets can only absorb visible and ultraviolet light, unlike traditional solar-thermal conversion materials.
- The conical structure of carbon nanoflorets enhances reflection, reducing light absorption.
- Carbon nanoflorets’ unique feature of long-range disorder promotes heat dissipation over extended distances.
- Carbon nanoflorets possess the exceptional ability to absorb sunlight at various frequencies, converting it into heat effectively, unlike conventional solar-thermal materials.
How many of the above statement/s is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
ANSWER: A
Q.2 In relation to carbon nanotubes, assess the following statements: (2020)
- They can serve as carriers for delivering drugs and antigens within the human body.
- They have the potential to be fashioned into synthetic blood vessels for damaged areas of the human body.
- They find utility in the field of biochemical sensors.
- Carbon nanotubes do not naturally degrade in biological environments.
How many of the above statement/s is/are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
ANSWER: C
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