Black silicon as a highly efficient photo-thermal converter for snow/ice melting in early spring agriculture

We have investigated new nano materials for their applicability as ice/snow melting agents. They are based on nano-textured anti-reflective (hence black) Si and compared with standard agents used in the industry. Nano-needles of black-Si decrease surface reflectance and enhance absorption of sunlight by Si. The effective ice/snow melting properties of the black-Si based samples outperform the most widely used chaff charcoal. This newest solar photo-thermal conversion material/agent has high potential to the farming in early springs at relative cold regions. •Highly effective snow/ice melting agent than ever.•Re-usable silicon based materials.•High efficiency of photo-thermal conversion material.