Researchers at the University of Virginia and Harvard University have made an exciting discovery in thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) that could significantly enhance the performance and efficiency of gas turbines, key components in power plants and jet engines. Their study examines how substituting iron into yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) impacts the material’s ability to absorb radiative heat in the near-Infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, potentially leading to innovations that improve the efficiencies of energy systems we rely on every day.
Gas turbines, which are essential for generating electricity and powering aircraft, operate under extreme temperatures. TBCs protect metal components from this heat, ensuring turbines can function safely and efficiently. Improving the efficiency of turbines is crucial because these systems consume vast amounts of fuel. Higher efficiency means burning less fuel to generate the same amount of energy, resulting in reduced costs for consumers and lower greenhouse gas emissions—both of which are critical as the world transitions to more sustainable energy practices.
Our research shows that by substituting iron into YSZ, we can fine-tune the material’s optical absorption properties.
"Our research shows that by substituting iron into YSZ, we can fine-tune the material’s optical absorption properties, which has direct implications for controlling heat transfer," said Ph.D. student and lead researcher Shunshun Liu. "This could lead to turbines that run cooler, last longer and operate more efficiently, contributing to a more sustainable energy future."
For the average person, this advancement could translate into lower fuel costs for airlines, resulting in more affordable flights and a smaller environmental footprint. It could also lead to cheaper electricity bills as power plants become more efficient and require less maintenance.
We've taken a widely used material and uncovered a new mechanism to manipulate its optical properties.
Professor Prasanna V. Balachandran, co-author from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UVA and Liu’s adviser, highlighted the broader applications of this work, "This research, using a combined theory and experimental approach, pushes the boundaries of what's possible in materials science. We've taken a widely used material and uncovered a new mechanism to manipulate its optical properties, allowing us to rethink how we approach heat management, especially at extreme temperatures. It's a step forward not just for turbine efficiency, but for the entire field of high-temperature materials. This work opens exciting possibilities for thermal, environmental, and now, radiation barrier coatings in everything from energy systems to advanced manufacturing, where precision heat control is critical for innovation.”
The discovery has promising implications for extending the lifespan of critical infrastructure. By managing heat more effectively, it could reduce wear and tear on turbines, resulting in fewer costly repairs and minimizing downtime in power generation.
The study, which combined experimental measurements with advanced computational modeling, identified key optical absorption bands in iron-substituted YSZ that could help engineers optimize turbine performance. These findings lay the groundwork for future developments in materials science, ultimately improving the reliability and efficiency of critical energy infrastructure.
The study, titled "Optical absorption study of iron-substituted zirconia and yttria-stabilized zirconia using experimental measurements and many-body perturbation theory," was conducted by Shunshun Liu and Prasanna V. Balachandran from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia, along with Victor K. Champagne III and David R. Clarke from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The research was published in Physical Review Materials. The work was supported by the Office of Naval Research under Grants No. N00014-21-1-2478 and No. N00014-21-1-2479.