Mg–Ti–H thin films for smart solar collectors

Mg–Ti–H thin films are found to have very attractive optical properties: they absorb 87% of the solar radiation in the hydrogenated state and only 32% in the metallic state. Furthermore, in the absorbing state Mg–Ti–H has a low emissivity; at 400K only 10% of blackbody radiation is emitted. The transition between both optical states is fast, robust, and reversible. The sum of these properties highlights the applicability of such materials as switchable smart coatings in solar collectors.