###### Abstract  
Solar thermal selective coatings (STSCs) are crucial for enhancing the thermal efficiency of receivers in solar power applications. Enhancing the photothermal conversion performance of STSCs is crucial for improving the thermo-economic efficiency of these sustainable high-temperature applications. Wherefore, in this study, we comprehensively review the ongoing technologies and enhanced strategies of solar thermal selective coatings, highlighting their advantages, drawbacks, technological advancements, and mechanisms. This review comprehensively examines the latest advancements in material synthesis, coating structure designs, and induced aging mechanisms of STSCs. It critically discusses the various types of STSCs, and the research techniques employed to assess photothermal performance and enhance thermal stability. Lastly, the limitations and future expectations of STSCs are also highlighted. This paper serves as a detailed guide for planning and implementing various types of STSCs in diverse solar power applications. solar thermal selective coatings; absorber coatings design configurations; induced aging mechanisms; photothermal conversion efficiency; critical review +
Footnote †: journal: Applied Soft  
typical applications of these coatings include energy storage batteries and solar heat absorption systems. To enhance energy storage in Li-ion batteries, applying a thin selective coating to the cathode surface has shown great success. For powder-based electrodes, coating the electrode sheet, rather than individual particles, improves conductivity while protecting against parasitic reactions without disrupting the contact between carbon black and the particles [21]. [PERSON] et al. [22] synthesized a LiTiO\({}_{2}\) coating on the surface of Li-ion batteries. The layered LiTiO\({}_{2}\) structure facilitated Ti\({}^{3}\) ion diffusion into the LiNi0.5 Co0.2 Mn0.3O\({}_{2}\) during calcination. This inlaid design buffered volume changes during cycling, improved lithium-ion diffusion, and combined the benefits of LiTiO\({}_{2}\) coating with Ti\({}^{3+}\) ion substitution. In solar thermal power fields, a classical CSP system consists of four essential components: a concentrator, a solar receiver/absorber, and a power conversion facility (Stirling engine or organic Rankine cycle). Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the absorber tube utilized in parabolic trough collectors, typically made of steel tube and coated with a solar thermal selective coating to enhance absorption, containing a heat transfer fluid (such as oil, molten salt, or water). As the fluid passes through the tube, it absorbs the concentrated solar energy that passes from the outer glass tube and heats up. This thermal energy can then be used directly or converted into electricity, often through a steam turbine. The key functions of the receiver tube are to efficiently capture as much incident sunlight as possible in the solar radiation range and emit as little thermal radiation as possible in the IR range, minimize heat loss, and transfer the collected energy to the working fluid. A superior solar absorber should be coated with a high-temperature STSC to capture as much incoming solar radiation as possible, with an absorptance of \(\alpha\geq\) 0.95 [20]. As a crucial material for CSP technology, it must also meet the requirements for high-thermal stability due to elevated operational temperatures. Excellent thermal stability at higher temperatures ensures a longer service lifespan \(\geq\)550 \({}^{\circ}\)C [23]. Despite numerous studies achieving higher thermal stability at elevated temperatures, coatings that meet application requirements above 750 \({}^{\circ}\)C remain scarce. Therefore, the development of highly thermally stable STSCs for higher temperatures is still necessary. Figure 1: (**a**) A side view of a single STSC; (**b**) cross-sectional view of absorber tube utilized in parabolic trough collectors [24].