Synthesis and characterization of erbium (III)-doped polyimide nanofibers for low temperature thermophotovoltaic applications

Thermophotovoltaic conversion technology is a promising way to convert waste heat to electricity via photons. In this research, erbium (III)-doped polyimide nanofibers mats were prepared as selective emitters to explore the selective thermal emission efficiency in a low operating temperature range ($<$ 500 $^{\circ}$C). The selective emission at 6500 cm$^{-1}$ of erbium (III)-doped polyimide nanofiber mats was measured on mats characterized with scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. A small but potentially useful amount of power was obtained from a 2 mg mat.