Smart Materials and Coatings for Improving Solar Absorption and Thermal Conductivity in Solar Technologies

Abstract

The advancement of solar technologies hinges on the development of smart materials and coatings that optimize solar absorption and thermal conductivity, thereby enhancing overall system efficiency. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with material science presents a transformative framework for accelerating innovation through data-driven design, highthroughput screening, and predictive modeling. This chapter elucidates how AI-driven personalization enables the precise tailoring of material properties to varying environmental and operational conditions, fostering adaptive and high-performance solar energy solutions. Key challenges, including algorithmic bias, data privacy, and regulatory compliance, are critically examined to underscore the importance of ethical governance and social inclusivity in deploying AI-enhanced solar materials. Emphasizing multidisciplinary collaboration, the chapter highlights emerging computational tools and cloud-based platforms that facilitate seamless material discovery and real-world application. By bridging technical advancements with ethical and societal considerations, this comprehensive approach aims to drive equitable and sustainable energy transitions, positioning AI-enabled smart materials as pivotal components in the future of solar energy technologies.

Keywords

Identifiers

DOI

10.71443/9789349552654-05

Journal

Solar Thermal Technologies and Nano-Enhanced Phase Change Materials for High-Efficiency Electric and Solar Mobility

Year

2025