Solar selective coatings with enhanced thermal and corrosion stability: Electrochemically deposited black chrome on stainless steel in the presence of graphite encapsulated feco nanoparticles

Black chrome coatings were electrodeposited under galvanostatic conditions on SS substrates. To enhance the thermal stability of the coatings for viable usage in parabolic trough receiver tubes in solar thermal applications beyond 250°C, graphite encapsulated FeCo nanoparticles had been introduced in the electrolyte solution at different weight percentages (0.025, 0.05, 0.1). An increase in the thermal stability of the coatings in the range of 400°C to 600°C is noticed from the STA analysis. The corrosion analysis (Tafel) and cyclic voltammetric studies of the coatings in the presence and absence of nanoparticles have been carried out in 3.5% NaCl solution to understand the stability of the coating in saline environment. © (2014) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.