MoSi2–Si3N4 absorber for high temperature solar selective coating

Abstract A novel absorbing composite based on MoSi 2 –Si 3 N 4 has been investigated to be used in high temperature solar selective coating applications. Simulation of the reflectance from the complex dielectric permittivity of the components has allowed the optimization of its optical characteristics. The sputtering deposited whole multilayer stacks, formed by a metallic infrared reflector, a double absorber composite and an antireflective layer, show optical performances as good as those obtained from similar composites such as Mo–Si 3 N 4 but with improved stability in moderate vacuum at temperatures up to 600 °C.