New ultra-black nanoneedles absorb 99.5% sunlight, boosting solar efficiency

University of the Basque Country researchers have created ultra-black copper cobaltate nanoneedles that absorb 99.5% of sunlight when coated with zinc oxide, surpassing current carbon nanotube materials that only absorb 99% but are unstable at high temperatures. These nanoneedles could revolutionize concentrated solar power systems by dramatically improving efficiency compared to existing materials that absorb just 95% of light. The breakthrough could make solar tower technology more competitive and accelerate adoption of cleaner energy sources.