Work

Verification of the General Applicability of a Predictive Model for the Physical Properties of Molten Salts in Heat Energy Storage Applications

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: To meet the growing demand for molten salt thermal storage technology, this study aims to enhance the accuracy of predicting molten salt properties. This is achieved through the systematic compilation of literature data on individual molten salts (including chlorides, fluorides, hydroxides, sulfates, carbonates, and nitrates) and their binary and ternary mixtures. To this end, we evaluated two existing theoretical models based on molar and mass fractions (Models I and II). We assessed their predictions for key physical parameters, including density, melting point, enthalpy of fusion, specific heat capacity, and surface tension. Quantitative assessment employed mean absolute relative deviation and correlation coefficients. Results demonstrate that Model I exhibits significant advantages in predicting melting points, enthalpy of fusion, specific heat capacity, and surface tension. Through in-depth analysis at the micromechanism level, we elucidate the fundamental causes of performance differences and confirm that Model I possesses outstanding comprehensive predictive capability. This provides a reliable modeling approach for the precise prediction of molten salt physical properties.

Source: ACS Omega

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.5c12254

Authors: Jisheng Li, Jinfang Shan, Jinxian Guo

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes

Language: English

Topic: Molten salt chemistry and electrochemical processes

Subfield: Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,935

Funder: Qinghai Provincial Department of Science and Technology