Performance of Nanocomposites of a Phase Change Material Formed by the Dispersion of MWCNT/TiO2 for Thermal Energy Storage Applications

Abstract

Thermal energy storage technology is an important topic, as it enables renewable energy technology to be available 24/7 and under different weather conditions. Phase changing materials (PCM) are key players in thermal energy storage, being the most economic among those available with adjustable thermal properties. Paraffin wax (PW) is one of the best materials used in industrial processes to enhance thermal storage. However, the low thermal conductivity of PW prevents its thermal application. In this study, we successfully modified PW based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with different concentrations of TiO2—3, 5 and 7 wt.%. The morphology of PCM and its relationship with the chemical structure and stability were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). As a result, the composites achieved a highest latent heat enthalpy of 176 J/g, in addition to enhanced thermal stability after 15 thermal cycles, and reliability, with a slight change in latent heat observed when using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The thermal conductivity of the composites could significantly be enhanced by 100%. Compared to pure paraffin, the PCM composites developed in this study exhibited an excellent preference for thermal energy storage and possessed low cost, high reliability, and phase change properties.

Effect of Asymmetric Fins on Thermal Performance of Phase Change Material-Based Thermal Energy Storage Unit

“…There are different techniques which have been used to improve the heat transfer characteristics of the energy storage systems. These techniques include microencapsulation of PCM [ 1 ], adding nanoparticles [ 2 , 3 , 4 ], absorption of phase change materials in metal foam [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ] and insertion of fins [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ].…”

Kinetics of Oxygen Reduction Reaction of Polymer-Coated MWCNT-Supported Pt-Based Electrocatalysts for High-Temperature PEM Fuel Cell

“…Additionally, it has a particular surface area that runs from 200 to 900 m 2 /g contrasted with 240 m 2 /g for ordinary carbon black, and the electronic conductivity of the CNT has been accounted as 104 S/cm, while it is 4 S/cm for Vulcan XC72 [11][12][13]. Along these lines, multiwall CNT (MWCNT is the most encouraging candidate as the catalyst-supporting material due to the inertness of the nanotube wall, which is associated with suitable attachment and high material compatibility between the catalyst and MWCNT [14][15][16]. Nevertheless, the deposition of catalyst nanoparticles on the MWCNT surface is a key challenge.…”