| abstract |
A localized heating structure, and method of forming same, for use in solar systems includes a thermally insulating layer (12) having interconnected pores, a density of less than about 3000 kg/m 3 , and a hydrophilic surface, and an expanded carbon structure (14) adjacent to the thermally insulating layer. The expanded carbon structure has a porosity of greater than about 80% and a hydrophilic surface. |