Nanomaterials for Effective Coatings with Selective Light Absorption

There are unmet needs to develop effective coatings to absorb infra-red (IR) radiation, e.g., for IR signature management. With unique optoelectronic properties, nanoparticles especially in non-spherical shape have demonstrated to be spectral selective absorbers, where the electromagnetic absorption bands strongly depends on nanoparticles' geometries. However, it is challenging to synthesise such nanoparticles with desired geometries and properties in a controllable and reproducible format, and with large-scale production.
This project aims to develop nanocomposite coatings incorporating silver nanorods (AgNRs) to selectively absorb IR electromagnetic bands. Chemistries will first be optimised for nanoparticle formation with controllable geometries. Design and construction of continuous-flow reactors will be carried out for large-scale production of AgNRs. AgNRs-embedded nanocomposite coatings will then be formulated and evaluated as IR blockers. This project will be conducted jointly by Engineering and Chemistry through an interdisciplinary approach drawing on diverse expertise and unique infrastructure available across disciplines.