Relationship of optical degradation to surface morphology changes in solar absorbers

Abstract

The physical basis for high-temperature optical degradation of electrodeposited black chrome coatings has been investigated via scanning electron microscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy coupled with inert gas depth profiling. Severe oxidation of the metallic chromium in the coatings has been observed and it is believed to result in shape changes of the particles comprising the film thereby decreasing their near-ir absorptance as is observed for air heat-treated coatings.