Researchers from the University of Bristol and CEA Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique in France have designed a novel device capable of operating in high temperatures, up to 1400 degrees Celsius comparable to molten lava. The research introduces a significant leap in applications involving molten metals, including steel and nuclear, where refining and detection of impurities prove cumbersome.
Traditional methods for analyzing high-temperature materials like molten silicon are slow, expensive, and deficient in providing real-time data. In response to this challenge, the scientists have developed a probe for real-time impurity detection featuring unprecedented resilience to extreme temperatures. The technology’s key feature lies in its ultra-low detection limit, precision, and the ability to withstand atmospheric impurities, vapours, and oxides.
“Our study introduced an innovative high-temperature probe based on mechanical stirring, ensuring a clean, representative and stable surface for real-time chemical analysis of molten silicon,” said lead author Dr. Younes Belrhiti, Senior Research Associate from Bristol’s School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering.
The high-temperature probe integrates with a spectroscopic technique, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), to assess the compositional properties of target substances. However, up to now, LIBS application in metallurgical melts has faced drawbacks – primarily due to the bath surface’s exposure to the furnace atmosphere, leading to chemical modification. Oxidization or nitration of the surface obscured accurate composition analysis. An innovative solution was proposed integrating mechanical stirring by rotary blades with the LIBS probe. The rotation reveals a stable, renewed surface targeted by the LIBS laser, ideal for high-temperature in-situ analysis.
This novel technology not only expedites and enhances impurity detection in molten materials for solar cells but also presents a cost-effective alternative to conventional methods. By leveraging the probe’s innovative mechanical stirring and spectroscopy, scientists can ensure accurate real-time analysis.
The probe’s mechanical stirring establishes a stable and renewed surface, enabling efficient impurity detection and ultimately enhancing photovoltaic cell quality control. Furthermore, the device proves versatile, extending to various high-temperature applications beyond the solar cell industry, including nuclear and steel industries.
The researchers’ next steps involve exploring other high-temperature environments to broaden the technology’s potential for industrial use. As the world strives to harness sustainable solar energy, such groundbreaking technologies promise to deliver considerable strides towards this goal.
Information Box:
– Researchers: University of Bristol and the CEA Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique
– Lead Author: Dr. Younes Belrhiti, Senior Research Associate
– High-temperature Probe: Designed based on mechanical stirring, capable of operating in molten lava-like temperatures.
– Application: Real-time assessment and impurity detection in molten metals used for solar cell manufacturing
– Spectroscopy Technique: Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for composition, structure, and properties analysis.
– Specialty: Novel capability of LIBS to analyze metallurgical melts under high-temperature and chemically modified conditions.
References:
1: University of Bristol Press Release
2: ‘Mechanical stirring: Novel engineering approach for in situ spectroscopic analysis of melt at high temperature’ by Y. Belrhiti, M. Albaric, M. Benmansour, J.-B. Sirven and A. Chabli in Heliyon.
3: Cell.com, RESEARCH ARTICLE| VOLUME 10, ISSUE 4, E25626, FEBRUARY 29, 2024.