Partic. vol. 15 pp. 56-60 (August 2014)
doi: 10.1016/j.partic.2013.05.001

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes added to Na₂CO₃/MgO composites for thermal energy storage

Feng Ye^a, Zhiwei Ge^a, Yulong Ding^a,b, Jun Yang^a,*

jyang@mail.ipe.ac.cn

Abstract

Na₂CO₃/MgO composites with added multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared and tested as phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage. Na₂CO₃/MgO composite PCMs were prepared and their chemical compatibility and thermal stability were studied. MWCNTs introduced with Na₂CO₃/MgO composite PCMs were also investigated and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) characterization was used to demonstrate the uniform dispersion of MWCNTs in Na₂CO₃/MgO composite PCMs. The composites with added MWCNTs still display good thermal stability with mass losses lower than 5%. Introducing MWCNTs into composite Na₂CO₃/MgO PCMs by material formation/calcination significantly enhances the thermal conductivity of the composite PCMs. The thermal conductivity of the composite PCMs was found to increase with an increase in the weight fraction of the added MWCNTs and an increase in the testing temperature. This study may present a promising way to prepare high temperature phase change materials with superior properties such as improved thermal stability.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Phase change materials; Composite; Multi-walled carbon nanotubes; Thermal conductivity; Chemical compatibility; Thermal energy storage