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Polyethylene Glycol Confined in SiO2–Modified Expanded Graphite as Novel Form–Stable Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Storage

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Form–stable phase change materials (FSPCMs) composed of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) encapsulated in SiO 2 -modified expanded graphite (EG@SiO 2 ) were prepared and investigated for thermal energy storage behaviors. The modification of SiO 2 on EG was done using a simple sol–gel method, and then the resulting EG@SiO 2 was introduced to confine PEG at varying content (60–90 wt %). Surface properties (including microstructure, morphology, and functional groups), PEG adsorptivity, leakage-proof ability, and thermal energy storage of the prepared materials were thoroughly characterized and discussed. The EG@SiO 2 with 15 wt % SiO 2 outstandingly adsorbed PEG as compared to the pristine EG, showing up >80 wt % of PEG. As a result, PEG was well stabilized in EG@SiO 2 porous network without leakage, owing to capillary force, surface tension, and hydrogen bonding interactions. The optimal 80 wt % PEG/EG@SiO 2 composite possessed high crystallinity (93.5%), high thermal energy storage capacity (132.5 J/g), and excellent thermal conductivity (4.086 W/m·K). In addition, it exhibited good cycling durability after 500 repeated melting/crystallization cycles. The high thermal efficacy and inexpensiveness would make the PEG/EG@SiO 2 FSPCMs suitable for scale–up applications in thermal energy storage.

Source: ACS Omega

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04311

Authors: Giang Tien Nguyen, Thi Ai Nhi Truong, Nguyen Duy Dat, Thi Anh Dao Phan, Trung Huu Bui

Institutions: Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station

Language: English

Topic: Phase Change Materials Research

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,685