Efficient photothermal conversion of Fe2O3-RGO guided from ultrafast quenching effect of photoexcited state

In solar thermal utilization, effective photo capture and photothermal conversion are crucial. Improving the nonradiative transition rate of photoexcited electrons is important to enhance the photothermal conversion efficiency and develop efficient solar thermal utilization. Herein, we designed a new kind of light absorption-enhanced and efficient photothermal conversion material, namely, Fe2O3-functionalized reduced graphene oxide (Fe2O3-RGO). On the basis of the selective absorption (350-560 nm) of Fe2O3 and the synergistic effect of RGO on the quenching energy transfer of the excited state of Fe2O3 and ultrafast nonradiative thermal decay of RGO, the optical absorption capacity, and photothermal conversion efficiency of the composites were effectively improved. Fe2O3-RGO can be successfully applied to photothermal conversion phase change materials and seawater solar desalination, showing excellent photothermal conversion ability and application prospect.