Paraffin/graphene sponge composite as a shape-stabilized phase change material for thermal energy storage
ISSN: 0369-9420
Article publication date: 18 April 2020
Issue publication date: 22 September 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the synergistic effect of graphene sponge on the thermal properties and shape stability of composite phase change material (PCM).
Design/methodology/approach
Graphene oxide sponge is first prepared from an aqueous solution of graphene oxide by freeze-drying method. The oxidized graphene sponge is reduced by hydrazine hydrate. Finally, use vacuum impregnation method to introduce paraffin into graphene sponge to prepare composite PCM.
Findings
Graphene sponge is used to improve the shape stability of paraffin wax and improves the thermal conductivity and latent heat of the composite PCM. The thermal conductivity increases by 200 per cent and the composite PCM has excellent reliability in 100 melt-freezing cycles.
Research limitations/implications
A simple way for fabricating composite PCM with high thermal conductivity and latent heat which has the potential to be used as thermal storage materials without container encapsulation has been developed by using graphene sponge and paraffin.
Originality/value
The materials and preparation methods with special structure and properties in this paper provide a new idea for the research of PCM, which can be widely used in the fields of energy conversion and storage.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Citation
Li, P., Chen, Q., Peng, Q. and He, X. (2021), "Paraffin/graphene sponge composite as a shape-stabilized phase change material for thermal energy storage", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 50 No. 5, pp. 412-418. https://doi.org/10.1108/PRT-11-2019-0100
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited