A novel review on the efficiency of nanomaterials for solar energy storage systems

Abstract

By the increase of population and development of technology in recent years, energy demand has also increased. Due to the limitedness of energy resources, new research works and inventions are needed to ensure the continuity and efficient consumption of these sources and addressing economic problems. It is important to provide low-cost energy in living, industrial and commercial spaces with zero emission. Solar energy is an unlimited, clean and abundant energy source. However, the conditions of taking full advantage of sun vary seasonally. With the storage and conversion of solar energy, the sun, which is abundant in the summer period, can be used in the winter period. In this case, energy storage and conversion performance is extremely important to obtain the highest rate and efficiency from solar energy. The application and development of nanomaterials are popular issues in all fields, especially in energy storage and conversion applications, and play key roles in storage efficiency. Furthermore, phase change materials (PCMs) have successful and potential applications in the storage and conversion of solar thermal energy. In this study, research on efficient nanomaterials used in solar energy storage and conversion has been reviewed and discussed. According to the reviewed studies, efficiency was increased with the use of nanomaterials in solar energy storage and conversion systems. Particular attention was paid to the high charge and discharge rates of graphene and graphite-containing nanomaterials, as well as nanoparticles and composite materials added to PCMs. In addition, it has been stated that thermal energy is stored efficiently by the application of PEG support to composite materials. According to previous studies, the size, concentration, shape, and phase change of materials had critical effects on the storage efficiency of composite materials.