Nanocomposite solar absorber with encapsulated metal nanoparticles

(canceled)

(canceled)

A spectrally selective solar radiation absorber, comprising:

• a reflective substrate;
• and
• a stack of silicon carbide-metal composite layers overlying the reflective substrate, wherein each of the silicon carbide-metal composite layers comprises metal nano-inclusions within a silicon carbide matrix.

-20. (canceled)

A method of forming a multilayer surface-covering assembly adapted to covert solar radiation to heat, the method comprising:

• depositing a first composite layer so as to be in thermal communication with a surface of a structure for conduction of heat from the first composite layer to the structure, wherein the first composite layer comprises a first amorphous refractory material and first metal nanoparticles, and wherein the first amorphous refractory material encapsulates the first metal nanoparticles;
• and
• depositing an antireflective layer, wherein the first composite layer is disposed between the antireflective layer and the surface of the structure.

(canceled)