Preparation and optical properties of Nb-NbN multilayer films as solar selective absorptive coatings

TG1; Based on the cermet double layer structure, Nb-NbN multi-layer films for solar selective coatings were deposited by direct current reactive magnetron sputtering. The Nb/Nb-NbN/Al2O3 trilayered structure was deposited on a stainless steel (SS) substrate by using a single niobium target. The expected components were adjusted by changing the gas flowing ratios of Ar: N2. The Al2O3 antireflective layer on the top of the film was produced by r. f. magnetron sputtering using Al2O3 ceramic target. A solar absorptivity of 0.94 and a normal emissivity of 0.16 at room temperature have been achieved for the coating. Thermal vacuum aging to the samples was carried out at 350 and 500 ℃ for 1 h. The results show a good thermal stability. Microstructure and its dependence on temperature of the Nb, NbN and Nb-NbN single layers were investigated, respectively.